The Globe and Mail reports in its Friday, June 13, edition that Israel's overnight attack on Iran's nuclear program and military leadership has caused markets to react, particularly with a notable increase in crude oil prices, which rose nearly 8 per cent by Thursday morning, and gold prices, which surged by nearly $42 an ounce (all figures U.S.). The Globe's David Berman writes that methanol prices may be affected by the conflict. Raymond James analyst Steven Hansen believes that the share price of Vancouver-based Methanex could rise, as Iran is one of the world's largest exporters of seaborne methanol. Mr. Hansen says in a note: "While no methanol facilities were struck in the initial attack (to our knowledge), we still see indirect implications benefiting the complex, including: 1) sharply higher oil prices that are expected to pull/influence methanol prices higher in tandem; and 2) escalating geopolitical tensions that are likely to introduce additional constraints on Iran's methanol production/export capabilities over time." The overnight attack has reaffirmed Mr. Hansen's "outperform" recommendation on the stock, with a price target of $40. The shares closed on Thursday at $34.43 on the Nasdaq exchange.