The Australian share market tumbled to its lowest point since December, extending its worst day in nearly a year as Middle East tensions escalated. Energy was the sole gainer, rising 2% amid oil prices surging past $100 a barrel, while every other sector recorded steep losses. Investors braced for prolonged conflict impacts, including higher inflation and economic uncertainty, as the VIX volatility index hit its highest level since April last year.

Laura Besarati is a Market Analyst at CommSec. Each episode, she breaks down the day's market movements and explains what the numbers really mean.

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