Escalation in the Middle East, dockers' strike, Microsoft, Berkshire Hathaway, GM, Tesla
• Escalating fighting in the Middle East kept traders and investors in Asia focused on Wednesday as fears of a wider war lingered. Crude oil prices continued to rise, gold traded near its all-time high and bonds were snapped up along with the safe-haven dollar.
• The risk-sensitive Australian and New Zealand dollars rebounded as both countries are closely linked to the fortunes of China, a top trading partner.
• European stock futures are currently pointing to gains, with little in Europe to distract attention from events in the Middle East due to a lack of macroeconomic...