U.S. and global benchmark oil prices have seen their share of big moves since Israel launched attacks on Iran late last week, but there’s one indicator that helps investors put into perspective just how serious the situation is — and can become.

Oil prices climbed on Tuesday as the Iran-Israel conflict raged with no end in sight, though major oil and gas infrastructure and flows have so far been spared from substantial impact.

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks are nudging lower on Tuesday, and oil prices are rising again. It’s a modest return to form for financial markets after worries had seemed to calm on Wall Street Monday.