How a conflict can highlight long-term investment opportunities

Site SearchClearSEARCHAdvanced Search ➔Search ResultsSymbolsNo results foundAll NewsArticlesVideoPodcasts0 ResultsNo Results FoundAuthorsNo results foundSectionsNo results foundColumnsNo results found How a conflict can highlight long-term investment opportunitiesAlso in Weekend Reads: Tech stocks, tips on managing your IRA, how to select a chatbot and advice from the MoneyistPublished: March 27, 2026 at 1:21 p.m. ETShareResizeListen(5 min)A tanker moored in port in Houston. The disruption to Middle East energy suppliers, especially Qatar, can benefit U.S. exporters of liquefied natural gas for decades, according to industry analysts. Photo: Getty ImagesU.S. stocks were down again Friday, after President Donald Trump said on Truth Social that the U.S. would pause its plan to attack Iran’s energy infrastructure until April 6.Whether or not Iran negotiates with the U.S. for a near-term end to the conflict, investors might need to get used to the idea of a longer period of disruption. Matt Gertken, BCA’s chief political strategist, wrote in a note to clients on Thursday that the U.S.’s “lower threshold for economic pain suggests Iran will not implement total denuclearization.” This means that, if the fighting stops soon, “the war will re-escalate around the midterm election, even if investors are lucky enough to avoid a market meltdown in April,” he wrote. About the Author Philip van DoornPhilip van Doorn writes the Deep Dive investing column for MarketWatch. Follow him on Twitter @PhilipvanDoorn.Show Conversation (0)Back To TopA Dow Jones CompanyCopyright © 2026 MarketWatch, Inc. All rights reserved.Terms of UsePrivacy NoticeCookie NoticeArchive MarketwatchCustomer CenterContact UsNewslettersNewsroom RosterVirtual Stock ExchangeMarketWatch GuidesCopyright PolicyManage NotificationsCancel My SubscriptionCompanyDow JonesCode of ConductCorrectionsReprints & LicensingDigital Self ServiceYour Ad ChoicesCorporate SubscriptionsAccessibilityDow Jones NetworkThe Wall Street JournalBarron'sInvestor's Business DailyFinancial News Londonrealtor.comMansion GlobalDow Jones Smart MoneyIntraday Data provided by FACTSET and subject to terms of use. Historical and current end-of-day data provided by FACTSET. All quotes are in local exchange time. Real-time last sale data for U.S. stock quotes reflect trades reported through Nasdaq only. Intraday data delayed at least 15 minutes or per exchange requirements.