Oil prices fell in the wake of last week's death of Col. Moammar Gadhafi. But it was a small dip, and it didn't last for long. Still, while the Libyan dictator's death may not lead to lower gas prices for U.S. drivers in the short term, down the road improved world crude supplies should stabilize prices. That in turn would lead to fewer surprises at the gas pump.
Most Wall Street experts are far better equipped to analyze a corporate risk over a political threat. But today, it's political unrest in the Middle East and beyond that's driving world markets. So we asked Ian Bremmer, president of political risk consultancy The Eurasia Group, to break down the major developments and what investors should expect.
U.S. bond prices fell Wednesday on violence in Libya. An auction of $35 billion in five-year notes met with little demand, while 10-year Treasury prices fell 22 cents per $100 invested. Stocks also declined as a result of the Libyan instability.
Stocks fell again on Wednesday, and oil prices briefly crossed the $100-a-barrel mark after violence escalated in Libya. Oil traders are spooked about the possible spread of turmoil. Tech bellwether HP's disappointing outlook also hurt.