Skip to content, Skip to main navigation
Investor Insights > News > The Middle East conflict: what it means for your super
The Middle East conflict: what it means for your super
March 2026
Your super is designed with the long term in mind, aiming to support your retirement for decades to come. Our investment team continues to closely monitor global developments, including recent events in the Middle East, to carefully manage your super through changing market conditions.
History has shown that, despite major global events such as military conflicts, the Global Financial Crisis, and the COVID‑19 pandemic, members’ super accounts have managed to remain resilient through these challenges. In each instance, financial markets have recovered and continued to grow the value of members’ super over time.
How markets have reacted
Recent events in the Middle East have reminded us of how markets can react quickly when unexpected news happens. This is something we’ve seen before, and markets often settle down after the initial response.
- Oil prices went up for a short while, since the area is important for global energy supply
- Share markets dipped as investors took a cautious approach
- Gold, which people often turn to in uncertain times, became more popular
These changes are normal and reflect the uncertainty at the start, but markets have shown in the past that they can recover and move forward.
Why energy matters so much
The Middle East is a key supplier of oil and gas for the world. There’s a narrow waterway called the Strait of Hormuz between Iran and its neighbours, and a lot of the world’s oil travels through it every day.
If shipping here is held up for a while, energy prices could rise further, which might make petrol and transport more expensive and affect the cost of living. The good news is this impact is often temporary, and markets usually adjust over time.
What oil producers are doing
Major oil producing countries are already working to reduce the impact. For example, Saudi Arabia and others in the region have started sending more oil to the global market. This helps keep supplies steady and prevents prices from rising too much.
What this means for members and investors
When it comes to your super, we know that world leaders and governments make decisions we can’t control. Instead, we focus on what we can do — carefully managing your super with your best interests in mind.
Our team is keeping a close eye on what’s happening and looking for events that might affect your super.
You may also be interested in
This article has been prepared for OnePath Custodians Pty Limited (OPC) ABN 12 008 508 496, AFSL 238346 as Trustee of the Retirement Portfolio Service (ABN 61 808 189 263). OPC is part of the Insignia Financial group of companies comprising Insignia Financial Limited ABN 49 100 103 722 and its related bodies corporate (Insignia Financial Group).
The information in this article is current as at November 2025 and may be subject to change.
You should read the relevant Financial Services Guide (FSG), Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), Target Market Determination (TMD), Additional Information Guide (AIG), Investment Funds Guide (IFG), and product and other updates (for open and closed products) available at onepath.com.au and consider whether OnePath products are right for you before making a decision to acquire, or to continue to hold any OnePath product. Alternatively, you can request a copy of this information by calling Customer Services on 133 665.
Taxation law is complex, and this information has been prepared as a guide only and does not represent taxation advice. Please see your tax adviser for independent taxation advice.
Before re-directing your super or moving your money into your product, you will need to consider whether there are any adverse consequences for you, including loss of benefits (e.g. insurance cover), investment options and performance, functionality, increase in investment risks and where your future employer contributions will be paid. Any investment is subject to investment risk, including possible repayment delays and loss of income and principal invested. Returns can go up and down. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.
The information provided is of a general nature and does not take into account your personal needs, financial circumstances or objectives. Before acting on this information, you should consider the appropriateness of the information, having regard to your needs, financial circumstances or objectives. The case studies used in the articles on this website are hypothetical and are not meant to illustrate the circumstances of any particular individual. Opinions expressed in this document are those of the authors only.