Investors waver as Israel-Iran clash tests nerves

Investors struck a cautious tone on Monday, as an escalating conflict between Israel and Iran pushed oil prices higher and raised wider questions about the long-term impact. As markets reopened following a weekend of strikes between Israel and Iran, investors held back on making big bets in either direction. Chinese stocks swung between gains and losses. European equity futures edged lower. The dollar was little changed, while gold held near a record high. Brent crude prices soared 5.5 per cent in early trading but quickly pared most of that move. The abrupt swing in the price of oil underscored the…