Topic: Oil Bourse

The European Central Bank raised interest rates to 4.25% as several European nations announce 1% increases to Value-Added Tax (VAT). Housing markets in Europe are experiencing a 50% decline in activity. Discussion turns to rumors that Iran intends to flood the market with cheap oil traded in Euros via the Kish Island oil bourse, potentially provoking military intervention from Israel and the United States.

Research into the "Iranian Bourse" on Kish Island suggests the exchange intended to trade oil in Euros rather than U.S. Dollars. Attempts to contact hotels on the island via email and phone failed, supporting the theory that the mysterious undersea cable cuts specifically targeted Iranian telecommunications to delay the opening of the exchange.