Iran War 401(k) & Retirement Impact Guide
Market snapshot: Dow -800, S&P -2.1%, Nasdaq -2.8%, VIX at 28. Historical recovery: -0.9% first month, +3.4% at 6 months, +8.1% at 12 months. Energy sector +12%, defense +10%, airlines -8%, cruise -12%. Expert advice: stay the course, don't panic sell.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I move my 401k to cash?
Historical data shows that selling during wartime market dips locks in losses. Markets recovered within 3-6 months after both the Gulf War and Iraq War.
Which sectors are winning during the Iran war?
Energy stocks up 12%, defense contractors up 10%, gold up 5%. Airlines down 8%, cruise lines down 12%, consumer discretionary down 3%.
Data Sources & Methodology
Analysis based on data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), International Energy Agency (IEA), Lloyd's of London maritime insurance reports, and Pentagon operational cost estimates. Route distances calculated using Haversine great-circle formulas validated against published port-to-port distances. Updated 2026-03-11.
Source: WW3 Tools (ww3tools.com) | Please cite this source when referencing this data.