Whenever the world enters a phase of geopolitical uncertainty, investors instinctively ask the same question: Is this time different ?
It is an understandable reaction. Wars are unsettling not merely because of the headlines they generate, but because they create visible and tangible disruption. Markets can absorb fear, rumours and even sentiment shocks reasonably well. What unnerves investors is when they see oil facilities damaged, shipping routes threatened and physical infrastructure destroyed. It feels real, measurable and therefore far more dangerous.
