Indrani De explains how Middle East tensions are reshaping markets, embedding a permanent risk premium in oil while pushing investors toward new defensive plays. She argues that mega‑cap tech names like Apple (AAPL) and Microsoft (MSFT) now function as defensives, while A.I. supply‑chain leaders in Taiwan and South Korea, including TSMC (TSM), benefit from risk‑on sentiment. De also highlights listed infrastructure and select emerging markets like Brazil as key inflation hedges despite slower global growth.