Back in the financial markets, the oil price is falling more sharply as hopes build for a breakthrough to end the Iran war. Brent crude, the international benchmark, has fallen below $106 a barrel for the first time since 20 October. That’s nearly a two-week low, and 9% below Brent’s closing price last Friday night. Oil prices began falling after Iran’s supreme leader gave the government approval to pursue talks that could resolve the months-long conflict roiling Middle East supplies, according to Bloomberg. On Sunday, president Trump told a radio network that the war will soon be over “one way or the other … either they’ll make a deal, or we’ll just end it.” David Morrison, senior market analyst at fintech and financial services provider Trade Nation, says there are still concerns that the conflict could flare up again. Shipping across the region continues to come under threat from both Iran and Iranian-backed Yemeni Houthis. Meanwhile, global strategic reserves have been drawn down,