Airline Stocks Plunge as Iran Conflict Fuels Jet Cost Surge
Airline equities tumbled after President Trump's remarks signaled prolonged Middle East tensions, with United Airlines (UAL) and Southwest (LUV) leading S&P 500 declines. Jet fuel prices have skyrocketed 70% since the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict began, compressing carrier margins.
TD Cowen slashed price targets across the sector, trimming UAL to $120 (from $140) and LUV to $46 (from $56), while maintaining Buy ratings. The selloff reflects evaporating hopes for quick conflict resolution - a scenario that would have eased energy costs.
Cryptocurrency markets showed muted reaction, with major tokens like BTC and ETH holding steady. Traders appear to view the geopolitical risk as contained to traditional transport equities rather than digital assets.