Trump’s Iran Pivots Spotlight Washington’s Insider Trade Threat

In the oil market, volatility recently spiked to levels not seen since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Commodities and stocks globally have whipsawed in response to every twist and turn in the Iran war: A strike, a pause, a threat to wipe out a civilization, a ceasefire; then a deal, no deal, and the prospect of one again.

One consistent theme of the recent gyrations has been well-timed transactions that have minted money for traders. Some of them, particularly in the oil market, have appeared to follow a pattern: Impeccably timed, just before President Donald Trump’s proclamations or social media posts.