Stock Markets Stay Strong During War

May 12, 2026, 17:40
AsiaFinance

Introduction

Stock prices are very high. This is surprising because the US and Iran are fighting and oil costs more money.

Main Body

The US stock market is growing. Oil is expensive, but the US does not need as much oil as it did in the past. This helps the economy stay strong. Ten big companies make most of the money. These companies use Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI helps these companies grow fast. Many people are buying stocks to make quick money. They do not worry about the war. They only care about the company reports, especially from a company called Nvidia.

Conclusion

Markets are at a high point. However, they depend too much on a few technology companies and a fragile peace.

Learning

πŸ’‘ The 'Comparing Now to Before' Pattern

Look at this sentence: "The US does not need as much oil as it did in the past."

To reach A2, you need to describe how things change. We use "as [word] as" to compare two things that are equal, or "not as [word] as" when they are different.

How it works:

  • Now: Less oil
  • Past: More oil
  • Pattern: Not as much [thing] as [time/person] β†’\rightarrow Not as much oil as in the past.

Simple Examples for You:

  • I am not as tall as my brother.
  • This phone is not as expensive as the new one.
  • English is not as difficult as Chinese.

πŸš€ Action Verbs for Money

In the text, we see verbs that move things UP or DOWN. These are essential for A2 conversations about work and life:

πŸ“ˆ Growing / Staying Strong β†’\rightarrow Things are getting bigger or better. πŸ“‰ Costs more / Expensive β†’\rightarrow The price is going up.

Quick Tip: Use "grow" for businesses or people, and "increase/cost more" for money.

Vocabulary Learning

stock (n.)
A share of a company.
Example:I bought a stock in Apple.
market (n.)
A place where goods or services are traded.
Example:The stock market opens at 9 a.m.
price (n.)
The amount of money for something.
Example:The price of oil is high.
high (adj.)
Greater than normal.
Example:The price is high today.
oil (n.)
A liquid used for fuel.
Example:Oil costs more money.
expensive (adj.)
Cost a lot of money.
Example:Oil is expensive right now.
economy (n.)
System of making and buying goods.
Example:The economy stays strong.
companies (n.)
Businesses that sell goods.
Example:Many companies use AI.
Artificial Intelligence (n.)
Computer systems that think like humans.
Example:Artificial Intelligence helps companies grow.
AI (n.)
Short for Artificial Intelligence.
Example:AI is used by many companies.
grow (v.)
To become larger.
Example:The market grows quickly.
war (n.)
A conflict between countries.
Example:The war continues.