Institutional capital flows during geopolitical conflicts follow a predictable three-stage pattern, according to former investment banker Felix Prehn. Analyzing past conflicts such as the Gulf War, Iraq War, and Russia-Ukraine War, Prehn identifies a sequence of shock, rerating, and rotation phases that dictate market movements. In the initial shock phase, retail investors often panic-sell, while institutional investors prepare for strategic reallocations. The rerating phase sees markets stabilize and reassess, leading to the rotation phase where capital shifts into sectors like energy, defense, and precious metals. Prehn emphasizes the importance of understanding these patterns to avoid common retail investor pitfalls and capitalize on institutional strategies.