Bahrain, June 10 -- The US launch of retaliatory strikes on Iran on Tuesday following the downing of an American helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz could mark a turning point for global markets, with investors facing the prospect that geopolitical risk is once again becoming a primary driver of inflation, energy prices and economic growth.

The warning from Nigel Green, CEO of global financial advisory deVere Group, comes as financial markets react swiftly to the latest escalation.

US stock futures moved lower following reports of the strikes, Asian markets opened under pressure, and oil prices climbed as traders assessed the implications of a worsening confrontation centred on one of the world's most strategically important energy art...