Rising Middle East tensions pushed oil prices up over 10% this week, boosting local energy stocks while leaving broader markets lacking direction. Retailers continued to struggle amid soft consumer spending and delayed rate cuts, with Cettire (ASX:CTT), Accent Group (ASX:AX1) and KMD(ASX:KMD) Brands issuing cautious updates. Iron ore miners also remain under pressure as China’s mixed recovery continues to cloud the outlook.

In this week’s wrap, Grady covers:

• (0:27): the oil price surge and what it means for the market 
• (1:05): volatility in the retail sector
• (2:38): pressures affecting the iron industry
• (3:58): how the market performed this week so far
• (4:43): the best and worst performing stocks and ETFs this week
• (5:15): economic news items to look out for.