The Financial Post reports in its Wednesday, April 15, edition that global investors have significantly reduced their growth expectations due to the Iran war, marking the steepest cut in four years, according to a recent Bank of America fund manager survey. A Bloomberg dispatch to the Post reports that inflation expectations are at a nearly five-year high, according to BofA analysts. Overall investor sentiment is the most bearish since last June. The Iran war has led to a rise in oil and natural gas prices, raising fears that higher energy costs could hinder growth and push central banks to raise interest rates. Markets are volatile as investors monitor de-escalation efforts. BofA analyst Michael Hartnett said the survey findings are "contrarian positive for risk assets," provided a ceasefire pushes the price of oil below $84 (U.S.) a barrel. In Tuesday's trading, stocks rose and benchmark Brent crude fell below $99 (U.S.) as Iran and the United States considered another round of peace talks. The survey was conducted April 2-9, among 170 participants overseeing $511-billion (U.S.) in assets. Three-fourths of investors responded before the April 8 announcement of a ceasefire, BofA said.