The ProShares UltraShort Bloomberg Crude Oil ETF (SCO) fell sharply by 6.97% during pre-market trading. The inverse oil ETF's decline reflects a significant surge in the underlying crude oil market.
The sharp move came as Brent crude futures surged by as much as 7.9% following reports of renewed geopolitical tensions in the Middle East over the weekend. The U.S. Navy seized an Iranian vessel, while Iran fired upon ships and reinstated control measures in the critical Strait of Hormuz, escalating concerns about potential supply disruptions from this vital global energy transit route.
Analysts noted that the confrontation has triggered an unprecedented supply shock, exacerbating inflationary pressures and contradicting earlier predictions of easing tensions. The Strait of Hormuz handles approximately one-fifth of the world's oil shipments, and any disruption directly impacts global energy supply chains, driving a sharp risk premium on crude oil prices.