Global Forces Collide as Markets Open: US Rate Fears, Iran Tanker War, and Germany's Far-Right Earthquake

Wall Street stumbled after US employers added 162,000 jobs in August — more than double forecasts — sending Fed rate hike expectations surging to 60 per cent. The ASX is set for a flat open at just 1 point lower. Meanwhile, the US-Iran naval confrontation escalated dramatically with American forces destroying three Iranian oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, and Germany's far-right AfD posted a historic 44.5 per cent victory in a key state election.

The...