InvestMacro

Monday’s trading session on US stock exchanges was characterized by increased volatility and a pronounced sectoral split. By the end of Monday, the Dow Jones Index (US30) rose by 0.11%. The S&P 500 Index (US500) fell by 0.39%. The Tech Index NASDAQ (US100) closed lower by 0.73%. Despite Jerome Powell’s attempts to calm the markets by stating that the Federal Reserve does not plan to react to temporary spikes in energy prices, this only led to a local rise in the Dow Jones Index. The decline in US Treasury yields, which normally stimulates growth stocks, was unable to offset investor concerns about the security of Iran’s energy infrastructure and the stability of shipping routes through the Red Sea. Instead of buying cheaper tech assets, capital flowed into defensive instruments and energy companies. The elevated fear index confirms that market participants are not yet ready to believe in long‑term de‑escalation and prefer to hedge risks ahead of new developments from the conflict zone.

The Canadian dollar continues its downward trend, falling below 1.39 per US dollar and setting a new low since December of last year. Despite Canada being a major exporter of energy resources and global oil prices surging to 2022 levels due to the effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, the loonie is not receiving its usual support from the commodity rally. The main pressure factor is the global strengthening of the US dollar, which benefits from its “safe‑haven” status and expectations of continued Federal Reserve tightening.

European stock markets showed a confident rebound on Monday. Germany’s DAX (DE40) rose by 1.18%, France’s CAC 40 (FR40) closed up 0.92%, Spain’s IBEX 35 (ES35) gained 0.99%, and the UK’s FTSE 100 (UK100) closed up 1.61%. The main driver of growth was the temporary decline in government‑bond yields, which provided necessary support to indices during a period of strong oversold conditions. Despite the positive sentiment in equities, the situation in the energy sector remains extremely tense. Oil prices held at their 2022 peak levels due to ongoing threats from Houthi forces in the Red Sea and Donald Trump’s harsh rhetoric regarding a potential strike on Iran’s oil facilities. Nevertheless, investors temporarily shifted their focus from inflation risks to concerns about a broader slowdown in economic growth, triggering a decline in bond yields.

WTI oil prices are ending March with an unprecedented rally, settling at 101.7 dollars per barrel. Prices have risen more than 50% this month, a direct reaction to the full‑scale conflict in the Middle East that began in late February 2024. The main driver of fear in the market remains the effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of global oil supplies pass. The situation escalated after Donald Trump shifted to a strategy of direct ultimatums. Despite his statements about “progress in negotiations” and a temporary halt to strikes until April 6, the US president clearly outlined targets for the next phase of the operation. If Iran does not immediately open the strait, power plants, oil wells, and the key export hub on Kharg Island will be targeted. Adding fuel to the fire is the expanding geography of hostilities: the involvement of Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who attacked Israel and threatened Saudi infrastructure, has created the risk of a large‑scale regional conflagration. With maritime transport nearly paralyzed and Washington’s diplomatic proposals rejected by Tehran as “illogical,” analysts warn that a surge in oil prices to 120 dollars in April becomes a realistic scenario if strikes on Iranian refineries begin.

The XNG showed a sharp decline, falling more than 5% to 2.866 dollars per MMBtu. The main driver of the drop was updated meteorological expectations predicting unusually warm weather on the US East Coast in the first half of April. The expected warming effectively ends the heating season, sharply reducing gas demand from households and utilities. The geopolitical agenda related to Donald Trump’s ultimatums toward Iran and uncertainty around the Strait of Hormuz has only an indirect impact on the US gas market. Unlike oil prices, US natural gas prices remain insulated from Middle Eastern tensions in the short term due to the self‑sufficiency of the American energy system and the limited dependence of domestic prices on global LNG export flows.

Asian markets also mostly declined yesterday. Japan’s Nikkei 225 (JP225) fell by 2.79%, China’s FTSE China A50 (CHA50) dropped by 0.08%, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng (HK50) declined by 0.81%, and Australia’s ASX 200 (AU200) posted a negative result of 0.65%.

On Tuesday, the AUD held near 0.686 US dollars, trading close to a two‑month low. March became the worst month for the aussie since late 2024, with a cumulative decline of about 3.6%. Although interest‑rate decisions supported the currency at the beginning of the month, by the end of the quarter, market sentiment shifted from fighting inflation to concerns about slowing global economic growth. Minutes from the March meeting of the RBA added uncertainty. After two rate hikes this year, the regulator acknowledged that the prolonged Middle East conflict creates a dual threat: on one hand, it fuels inflation through higher energy prices; on the other, it suppresses business activity. The RBA board emphasized the need for a delicate balance, causing investors to doubt the straightforwardness of further policy tightening.

On Friday, the US stock markets continued their active decline, hitting the lowest levels in the past seven months amid fears of global stagflation. By the end of Friday, the Dow Jones Index (US30) fell by 1.73% (down -1.39% for the week). The S&P 500 Index (US500) declined by 1.67% (down -3.13% for the week). The Tech Index NASDAQ (US100) closed lower by 1.93% (down -4.69% for the week). The sharp rise in energy prices has effectively deprived investors of hope for Federal Reserve policy easing this year, while additional pressure came from China’s launch of a trade investigation against the United States in response to tariff measures.

The technology sector is experiencing a massive capital outflow, which has seriously undermined the positions of companies linked to the artificial‑intelligence industry. Shares of giants such as Tesla, Amazon, and Oracle lost more than 3%, while worsening credit conditions triggered a similar decline in JPMorgan and Visa. The most dramatic drop was seen in Meta, whose market value plunged by 12% in recent days due to large‑scale layoffs and an unfavorable court ruling declaring the social network addictive.

The Mexican peso weakened, breaking through the psychological level of 18 per US dollar and reaching its lowest value since the beginning of winter. The main reason for this dynamic was the narrowing interest‑rate differential between the US and Mexico, which made previously popular carry‑trade strategies less attractive. Investors reacted to the unexpected decision by the Bank of Mexico to resume its monetary‑policy easing cycle and cut the rate to 6.75%, despite inflation accelerating to 4.63% in mid‑March. The regulator was driven by slowing domestic economic activity and negative labor‑market data showing rising unemployment and persistently high informal employment.

European stock markets closed lower but remained in positive territory for the week. Germany’s DAX (DE40) fell by 1.38% (up +1.61% for the week), France’s CAC 40 (FR40) closed down 0.87% (up +2.12% for the week), Spain’s IBEX 35 (ES35) declined by 0.95% (up +2.53% for the week), and the UK’s FTSE 100 (UK100) closed down by 0.05% (up +0.49% for the week). Price pressure in the oil market has already begun to translate into real inflation indicators. The scale of the problem was most clearly reflected in Spain, where consumer‑price growth in March reached multi‑year highs, showing the sharpest monthly jump since the 2022 crisis. Against this backdrop, the banking sector continued to suffer losses due to instability in the sovereign‑debt market, leading to noticeable declines in shares of giants such as BBVA, UniCredit, and Deutsche Bank.

The oil market opened the week with strong gains, rising about 3% and consolidating above the psychological level of 102 dollars per barrel. Investors are increasingly skeptical about a quick end to the conflict in Iran, which has now entered its second month. The situation was further complicated by the direct involvement of Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who launched missile strikes on Israeli territory over the weekend and declared their intention to continue attacks until pressure on Tehran ceases. Another destabilizing factor is the ability of rebel groups to disrupt shipping in the Red Sea and attack strategic facilities in Saudi Arabia.

Asian markets also mostly rose last week. Japan’s Nikkei 225 (JP225) gained 1.72% for the trading week, China’s FTSE China A50 (CHA50) rose by 0.45%, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng (HK50) increased by 0.66%, and Australia’s ASX 200 (AU200) posted a five‑day gain of 2.81%.

Monday’s trading session in Asian markets opened with a noticeable decline, as the armed confrontation in the Middle East entered its fifth week with no visible prospects for de‑escalation. The geopolitical situation worsened after Donald Trump’s high‑profile statements about a possible takeover of Iran’s oil resources, coinciding with active involvement in the conflict by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who carried out attacks on Israeli territory.

Yesterday, US stock markets were hit by a wave of sell‑offs, completely erasing the previous day’s optimism. By the end of the day, the Dow Jones Index (US30) fell by 1.01%. The S&P 500 Index (US500) declined by 1.74%. The Technology Index NASDAQ (US100) closed lower by 2.38%. Donald Trump effectively disavowed reports of a peace agreement being prepared, stating during a cabinet meeting that the United States does not intend to make concessions to Tehran. This decision, combined with the resumption of US strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure, brought back fears of a prolonged war and stagflation. Rising US Treasury yields across the curve triggered a massive investor exodus from the high‑tech and artificial‑intelligence sectors.

On Thursday, the CAD reached its lowest level in the past two months. Despite WTI oil prices holding above 92 dollars per barrel due to the effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, the commodity linkage of the Canadian currency could not offset the powerful rally of the US dollar. Investors are disappointed by the failure of diplomatic efforts.

The MXN weakened to 17.92 per US dollar, reaching its lowest level since the beginning of the month. The main blow to the currency came from the unexpected decision of the Bank of Mexico to resume the easing cycle: the regulator cut the key rate by 25 basis points to 6.75%. The decision split the board (votes were 3 to 2) and drew criticism from experts, as it was made amid a sharp acceleration of inflation, which jumped to 4.63% in mid‑March (compared to 4.02% in February).

On Thursday, European indices declined. Germany’s DAX (DE40) fell by 1.50%, France’s CAC 40 (FR40) closed down 0.98%, Spain’s IBEX 35 (ES35) dropped by 1.21%, and the UK’s FTSE 100 (UK100) closed 1.22% lower.

The Swiss franc weakened to 0.794 per US dollar, marking its lowest level since January. Despite its traditional status as a “safe haven,” the franc lost ground to the US dollar, which became the main beneficiary of the new wave of market fear. Additional pressure on the franc came from a “verbal intervention” by the SNB. Chairman Martin Schlegel confirmed that the bank is ready to actively sell francs on the market to prevent excessive strengthening, which harms Swiss exporters.

The US natural gas prices rose to 2.99 dollars per MMBtu, approaching the psychological level of 3 dollars. The driver of the increase was the weekly report from the EIA, which recorded a deeper‑than‑expected drawdown in inventories: 54 billion cubic feet were withdrawn from storage versus the expectation of a 44‑billion draw. This figure sharply contrasts with last year, when 33 billion cubic feet were injected during the same period, and with the five‑year average draw of 21 billion cubic feet.

Asian markets also rose mostly yesterday. Japan’s Nikkei 225 (JP225) fell by 0.27%, China’s FTSE China A50 (CHA50) rose by 0.34%, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng (HK50) declined by 1.89%, and Australia’s ASX 200 (AU200) posted a negative result of 0.10%.
The Australian dollar on Friday showed negative dynamics, falling to a two‑month low of around 0.687 US dollars amid growing anxiety over a prolonged energy crisis. At the same time, the rapid rise in fuel prices is creating serious risks for the domestic economy, provoking increased inflationary pressure and forcing households to cut spending. Analysts suggest that if high energy prices persist, the consumer price index could jump to 5% as early as the second quarter of this year.

Offshore yuan quotes (CNY) stabilized around 6.91 per US dollar, holding near their lowest levels in the past three weeks due to persistent investor pessimism caused by contradictory signals from the Middle East. However, the rapid decline of the Chinese currency was limited by the release of encouraging domestic statistics. China’s industrial sector showed an impressive surge at the start of 2026, with total corporate profits for the first two months rising more than 15% year‑on‑year, exceeding one trillion yuan. This dynamic indicates a strong economic recovery after last year’s stagnation.

On Wednesday, the US stock indices rose. By the end of the day, the Dow Jones Index (US30) increased by 0.66%. The S&P 500 Index (US500) rose by 0.54%. The Technology Index NASDAQ (US100) closed higher by 0.77%. The main catalyst for optimism was reports that Washington had sent Tehran a 15‑point peace proposal, sharply increasing the chances of a diplomatic exit from the Middle Eastern crisis. Against this backdrop, WTI oil prices and US Treasury yields declined, easing inflationary pressure and bringing investors back into risk assets, especially the technology sector. Semiconductor producers led the gains: AMD and Intel shares jumped more than 7%, and Nvidia added 2%, as investors once again began prioritizing growth stories amid easing inflation expectations. At the same time, the energy sector came under pressure due to the correction in oil prices, which led to declines in Exxon Mobil and Chevron shares.

European indices mostly rose. Germany’s DAX (DE40) jumped by 1.41%, France’s CAC 40 (FR40) closed down 0.36%, Spain’s IBEX 35 (ES35) gained 1.54%, while the UK’s FTSE 100 (UK100) closed up 1.42%. Investors reacted positively to signals from Washington indicating a desire for de‑escalation in the Middle East, interpreting this as the White House prioritizing the protection of the global economy from an inflationary shock. Despite Tehran’s formal rejection of the proposed ceasefire terms, the very fact that a diplomatic process had begun triggered a rally in risk assets and supported European government bonds.

WTI oil prices rose above 91.4 dollars per barrel, recovering after the sharp drop the day before. The market is being shaken by contradictory signals: while the Trump administration claims that “positive negotiations” are continuing through Pakistani intermediaries, Tehran officially rejected the American “15‑point plan.” Instead, Iran issued a counter‑ultimatum consisting of five conditions, including full recognition of its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz and payment of war reparations. This diplomatic stalemate, combined with new Iranian missile strikes on infrastructure in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, brought the risk premium back into the market, overriding the temporary optimism from news of a possible ceasefire. Although Iran selectively allows passage for ships from “friendly” countries, US allies in the Asia‑Pacific region are already facing real shortages. The Philippines declared an energy emergency, and Australia and South Korea have reported hundreds of cases of fuel shortages at gas stations.

Asian markets also rose mostly yesterday. Japan’s Nikkei 225 (JP225) increased by 2.87%, China’s FTSE China A50 (CHA50) rose by 1.17%, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng (HK50) gained 1.09%, and Australia’s ASX 200 (AU200) posted a positive result of 1.85%.

The AUD remained at a seven‑week low below 0.695 US dollars, reflecting growing investor pessimism regarding a peaceful resolution of the Middle Eastern crisis. Statements from the RBA added fuel to the fire: Deputy Governor Chris Kent warned that the global oil shock puts the regulator in a difficult position. Since the war with Iran is simultaneously accelerating inflation and suppressing economic growth, the RBA intends to focus on preventing inflation expectations from becoming “entrenched,” which implies tighter monetary policy.

On Tuesday, US stock indices lost yesterday’s optimism. By the end of the day, the Dow Jones Index (US30) fell by 0.18%. The S&P 500 Index (US500) declined by 0.37%. The Technology Index NASDAQ (US100) closed lower by 0.77%. The main drag on the market was the renewed rise in energy prices after Tehran officially denied Donald Trump’s statements about “productive negotiations.” Investor skepticism instantly pushed Brent crude back above 104 dollars per barrel, triggering a two‑percent jump in the energy sector – the only group within the S&P 500 that maintains positive returns for March. The high‑tech segment came under double pressure: geopolitical uncertainty overlapped with profit‑taking in leading artificial‑intelligence stocks. Oracle shares plunged 4.7%, despite analysts reaffirming positive predictions, and Microsoft shares also faced selling pressure.

It is also another day of disappointment for the CAD: the currency weakened to 1.375 per US dollar, updating from a two‑month low. Despite Canada being a major oil exporter, the loonie is not benefiting from rising energy prices. The reason lies in the strong demand for the safe‑haven US dollar. Investors are concerned that ongoing attacks on US bases in the Persian Gulf will keep oil prices at a high “war premium,” making inflation unmanageable.

The Mexican peso lost momentum in its recent recovery and fell below 17.8 per US dollar. The situation for the Bank of Mexico is complicated by fresh inflation data. The mid‑March reading came in at 4.63%, above analysts’ expectations. This puts the regulator in a “stalemate”: on one hand, the economy needs support due to a sharp production downturn; on the other, accelerating inflation and a weakening currency prevent monetary easing. In conditions where Mexico’s key trading partners are preparing for a prolonged period of high rates, the peso remains under crossfire from domestic stagnation and a global inflation shock.

European markets mostly rose. Germany’s DAX (DE40) fell by 0.08%, France’s CAC 40 (FR40) closed up 0.23%, Spain’s IBEX 35 (ES35) gained 0.13%, while the UK’s FTSE 100 (UK100) closed up by 0.72%. The main driver of growth was the technology sector, where ASML shares became the true star of the session. The Dutch giant’s stock jumped after news of a colossal order from South Korea’s SK Hynix for lithography equipment worth 8 billion dollars, confirming sustained demand for memory‑chip production capacity despite global instability. However, the overall picture remains troubling due to the continued rise in oil prices. The first official confirmation of these concerns came from preliminary March business‑activity data: Eurozone private‑sector growth slowed, clearly showing that high energy costs have already begun to erode industrial output.

The oil market showed a partial recovery after Monday’s collapse. WTI crude futures jumped 5%, reaching 92.4 dollars per barrel. This rise compensated for only half of Monday’s catastrophic 10.3% drop, as investors remain in extreme uncertainty regarding the true intentions of Washington and Tehran. Saudi Arabia and the UAE, whose territories were attacked, made it clear that their patience is running out. Reports emerged that Riyadh is seriously considering direct military strikes on Iranian facilities if its critical energy infrastructure is targeted again. The market is essentially frozen, awaiting the end of the five‑day period, after which it will become clear whether the conflict will escalate into a global energy collapse.

Asian markets also rose mostly yesterday. Japan’s Nikkei 225 (JP225) partially recovered by 1.43% higher, China’s FTSE China A50 (CHA50) fell by 2.15%, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng (HK50) rose by 2.79%, and Australia’s ASX 200 (AU200) posted a positive result of 0.16%. The Hang Seng Index rose by 0.9% on Wednesday, marking its second consecutive session of gains. The positive dynamics were driven by temporary stabilization in oil prices and a diplomatic pause in the Iran‑related conflict, allowing investors to ease fears of an immediate energy collapse. This optimism helped slow the massive outflow of foreign capital from Asian assets caused by the recent surge in global bond yields and stagflation fears.

On Wednesday, the Australian dollar fell to 0.70 US dollars, approaching a two‑week low. Pressure on the currency came from fresh inflation data in Australia: in February, consumer prices were unchanged month‑over‑month, while the annual figure slowed to 3.7% (down from 3.8%). Although inflation still exceeds the Reserve Bank of Australia’s target range (2-3%), weaker‑than‑expected numbers made markets doubt the need for an aggressive rate hike in May, the probability of which is now seen as 50/50.

The NZD fell to 0.582 US dollars as investors sharply revised their expectations regarding the RBNZ policy stance. The trigger was statements from Governor Anna Breman and Chief Economist Paul Conway, who made it clear that the regulator intends to “ignore” temporary inflation spikes caused by the war with Iran and rising oil prices. While earlier the market priced in a 68% probability of a rate hike in May, expectations collapsed to 44% after these comments, as the bank still sees signs of an economic slowdown and fears that excessive tightening could suppress domestic demand.

On Friday, trading on the US stock market ended with a decline. The Dow Jones Index (US30) fell by 0.96% (down -2.42% for the week). The S&P 500 Index (US500) dropped by 1.51% (down -2.52% for the week). The tech-heavy NASDAQ (US100) closed lower by 1.88% (down -3.04% for the week). The main trigger for the sell-off was news from Iraq, where force majeure was declared at all oil fields, which, combined with the Pentagon’s preparations to deploy additional Marine forces to the Persian Gulf, created an explosive mix of geopolitical and energy shock. WTI crude continued its ascent, ignoring stabilization attempts made by the US administration earlier in the week. Against this backdrop, investors reacted even more sharply to the Fed’s decision to keep rates in the 3.50-3.75% range, realizing that policy easing amid “wartime” inflation should not be expected.

Bitcoin (BTC/USD) stabilized around 68,000 dollars, holding near two‑week lows. The digital assets market came under heavy pressure from a global risk‑off move triggered by a critical escalation in the Middle East. Direct threats from President Trump to destroy Iran’s energy infrastructure in response to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, along with Tehran’s counter‑warnings of strikes on US and Israeli facilities, created an atmosphere of extreme uncertainty in which investors prefer to exit volatile digital assets. Since the start of the active phase of the war, Bitcoin has lost more than 20% of its value, continuing its downward trend. The status of “digital gold” has not worked in current conditions: the digital asset is showing high correlation with falling stock indices and other risk assets.

European stock markets ended trading with a deep decline, as the specter of stagflation became a frightening reality for investors. Germany’s DAX (DE40) fell by 2.01% (down -4.69% for the week), France’s CAC 40 (FR40) closed down 1.82% (down -3.22% for the week), Spain’s IBEX 35 (ES35) dropped by 1.14% (down -1.92% for the week), and the UK’s FTSE 100 (UK100) closed down by 1.44% (down -3.34% for the week). The main driver of pessimism was the uncontrolled rise in energy prices, which, combined with slowing economic growth, puts Europe’s industrial sector in an extremely vulnerable position. Europe’s tech sector came under heavy pressure from global sell‑offs: shares of semiconductor giant ASML and software developer SAP plunged more than 3.5% lower each. Investors are dumping growth stocks, fearing that high borrowing costs and energy shortages will undermine the long‑term profitability of the tech sector. At the same time, a large‑scale exit from sovereign bonds continues, pushing yields higher and directly hitting the capital of major banks. Against this backdrop, UniCredit shares fell nearly 4%, while BNP Paribas, Intesa Sanpaolo, and Nordea lost more than 2% of their market value.

On Monday, the oil market entered a state of extreme volatility: WTI crude futures traded above 98 dollars per barrel, having touched the psychological mark of 101.5 dollars at the start of the session. Investors around the world froze in anticipation of the expiration of President Donald Trump’s ultimatum demanding that Tehran immediately unblock the Strait of Hormuz. The White House’s direct threat to “destroy” key Iranian power plants by the end of Monday pushed the conflict into a phase of a possible full‑scale energy war. Tehran’s response only added fuel to the fire: Iranian leadership promised massive strikes on US and Israeli facilities in the region, targeting not only energy infrastructure but also critical desalination and IT nodes.

On Friday, silver prices (XAG/USD) fell another 5% down, reaching 69.5 dollars per ounce. Thus, the asset lost 14% of its value over the week, marking its worst performance in recent months. The main reason for the sell‑off was the market’s realization that the conflict in the Middle East would not lead to a quick rate cut. On the contrary, the sharp surge in oil and gas prices intensified inflation fears, forcing investors to shift their strategies toward the dollar and US treasuries. Pressure on prices increased after news of the expanded US military presence in the conflict zone. This development radically changed traders’ expectations: the probability of a Fed rate hike by October is now estimated at 50%. In Europe and the UK, the situation looks even more tense – the market is already pricing in at least three rate hikes by the ECB and the Bank of England by the end of 2026.

Asian markets also mostly declined last week. Japan’s Nikkei 225 (JP225) fell by 0.55% over the trading week, China’s FTSE China A50 (CHA50) rose by 0.63%, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng (HK50) dropped by 0.45%, and Australia’s ASX 200 (AU200) posted a five‑day decline of 1.72%.
On Monday, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index experienced one of its toughest trading days, plunging more than 3% down. This drop pushed the indicator back to the August 2025 lows, completely erasing its yearly gains amid a global flight from risk assets. The main pressure factor was fear of prolonged stagflation. The surge in oil prices due to the blockade of key maritime routes not only hits production costs in the region but also forces global central banks to prepare for a new cycle of rate hikes to contain inflation. For Hong Kong, whose monetary policy is tightly pegged to the US dollar, this means an inevitable rise in borrowing costs, which investors view extremely negatively amid the economic downturn.

The NZD came under heavy pressure, falling to 0.581 per US dollar. The currency approached a two‑month low amid extremely negative news flow. The main blow to the kiwi was Fitch Ratings’ decision to downgrade New Zealand’s credit rating outlook to “negative,” reflecting experts’ skepticism about the government’s ability to reduce public debt after a prolonged budget pause.

On Thursday, US stock indices showed an impressive intraday reversal, recovering most of the earlier decline. By the end of the day, the Dow Jones Index (US30) fell by 0.44%. The S&P 500 Index (US500) decreased by 0.27%. The Technology Index NASDAQ (US100) closed down by 0.28%. Optimism was fueled by Benjamin Netanyahu’s statement about joint efforts with the United States to unblock the Strait of Hormuz, which immediately cooled oil prices to 94 dollars per barrel. Diplomatic initiatives by the Trump administration and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent aimed at restoring supply chains eased fears of stagflation, bringing buyers back to the bond and stock markets.

European markets were swept by a wave of sell-offs. Germany’s DAX (DE40) fell by 2.82%, France’s CAC 40 (FR40) closed down by 2.03%, Spain’s IBEX 35 (ES35) declined by 2.29%, and the UK’s FTSE 100 (UK100) decreased by 2.35%. The catalyst for panic was reports of Iranian strikes on energy facilities in Qatar and Saudi Arabia, which triggered a vertical surge in gas and electricity prices. US retaliatory threats against Iranian gas fields only added fuel to the fire, forcing investors to price in a scenario of a full-scale energy paralysis in Europe. The geopolitical shock radically changed expectations for central banks: the ECB, the Bank of England, and the SNB not only kept rates unchanged but sharply raised their inflation predictions. A month ago, the market hoped for policy easing, but now traders are pricing in two rate hikes by the end of the year. This “hawkish” shift amid stagflation risks hit the banking sector hard (UniCredit, ING, Santander, and Intesa Sanpaolo fell by more than 4%).

The SNB, at its March meeting, kept the base rate at 0% for the third consecutive time. Despite extremely low current inflation, which stood at just 0.1% in February, the bank’s leadership sharply raised its future prognosis. The regulator expects the energy shock to accelerate price growth to 0.5% in 2026-2027, prompting the SNB to remain vigilant and ready to adjust its monetary tools. Markets paid particular attention to statements from SNB officials about their readiness for active interventions. The regulator is seriously concerned that excessive strengthening of the franc could choke Switzerland’s export-oriented economy.

On Friday, silver prices (XAG) showed a local rebound, rising above 74 dollars per ounce after yesterday’s drop to 65 dollars. Despite this increase, the asset is ending the week with a negative result for the third consecutive time. The main restraining factor remains the “hawkish” shift in interest rate expectations: investors increasingly prefer the US dollar and US Treasury bonds, whose yields are rising amid expectations of a prolonged fight against inflation. Although the Fed, ECB, and Bank of England kept rates unchanged this week, their rhetoric became extremely strict. The market has effectively capitulated to the reality of “higher-for-longer” rates: expectations for the first Fed rate cut have now officially shifted to 2027, while in Europe and the UK, traders are preparing for two hikes this year.

On Thursday, US WTI oil prices fell by 2% to 94 dollars per barrel, breaking a prolonged rally. The market cooled after a series of statements from Washington: President Donald Trump ruled out the possibility of sending ground troops to the Middle East. Additional skepticism among the “bulls” was introduced by intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard, who pointed to divergences in the strategic goals of the US and Israel. These comments were interpreted by traders as a signal of de-escalation and the White House’s reluctance to get involved in a full-scale regional war. Despite the current decline, oil remains 50% more expensive than before the conflict due to the effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and sharp production cuts by major OPEC+ exporters. The market is shifting from a phase of panic buying to a phase of assessing long-term consequences.

The US natural gas prices jumped more than 2.5% to 3.144 dollars per MMBtu, instantly recovering early-week losses amid an unprecedented attack on the Persian Gulf’s gas infrastructure. Iran’s missile strikes on Qatar’s industrial city of Ras Laffan, a critical hub of global LNG exports, became a direct realization of Tehran’s threats following Israel’s attack on the South Pars field. Chaos in the region was compounded by the shutdown of facilities in Abu Dhabi (Habshan) due to falling missile debris and reports of massive shelling of LNG terminals in Bahrain, threatening global energy security. Despite the alarming external backdrop, US domestic data from the EIA showed a moderate inventory increase of 35 billion cubic feet, which typically pressures prices at the end of the winter season. However, under current conditions, the oversupply in US storage is completely offset by fears of a global market deficit.

Asian markets fell yesterday. Japan’s Nikkei 225 (JP225) dropped by 3.38%, China’s FTSE China A50 (CHA50) decreased by 0.92%, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng (HK50) fell by 2.02%, and Australia’s ASX 200 (AU200) posted a negative result of 1.65% on Wednesday.

In March 2026, the PBOC maintained the status quo, leaving key rates unchanged for the tenth consecutive month: the one-year LPR remained at 3%, and the five-year LPR at 3.5%. This caution is driven not only by uncertainty due to the war in Iran but also by the revision of the government’s GDP growth target to a more realistic 4.5-5%. With lowered expectations for economic growth, Beijing sees no urgent need for additional monetary stimulus, preferring to maintain financial system stability. Paradoxically, the sharp rise in oil prices may benefit China in its fight against prolonged deflation by pushing the Producer Price Index upward.

On Wednesday, the US stock indices closed in the red. By the end of the day, the Dow Jones Index (US30) fell by 1.63%. The S&P 500 Index (US500) declined by 1.36%. The Technology Index NASDAQ (US100) closed lower by 1.46%. The FOMC’s decision to keep interest rates in the 3.5-3.75% range was accompanied by a “hawkish” comment about serious pro‑inflationary risks caused by the war in Iran and the threat of new tariffs. The regulator’s concerns were confirmed by the aggressively high industrial inflation (PPI) figure published earlier the same day, which led most committee members to rule out the possibility of rate cuts this year. Investors reacted by pushing Treasury yields higher, which put pressure on all market sectors. The worst performance came from the financial sector and consumer staples: payment system giants Visa and Mastercard plunged 3.1% and 3.7%, respectively, while retailers Walmart and B&G lost more than 2.5% amid fears of declining consumer purchasing power due to high energy costs.

The Canadian dollar (CAD) fell to 1.37 per US dollar, reaching its lowest level in the past two months. In March, the BoC predictably kept its key rate unchanged, synchronizing its actions with the US Fed’s “hawkish pause.” The regulator emphasized that the war with Iran creates two‑sided risks: on one hand, it triggers an inflationary shock through fuel prices; on the other, it threatens to slow global economic growth. With the Strait of Hormuz paralyzed, the Canadian dollar remains in a unique “safe haven” position among commodity currencies, but its further recovery toward 1.35 will depend directly on whether the commodity factor outweighs Washington’s tight monetary policy in the coming weeks.

European markets showed a decline. Germany’s DAX (DE40) fell by 0.96%, France’s CAC 40 (FR40) closed slightly higher at 0.06%, Spain’s IBEX 35 (ES35) rose by 0.29%, and the UK’s FTSE 100 (UK100) closed down 0.94%. The main pressure factor was another spike in natural gas prices caused by the escalation in the Persian Gulf. Given that the Fed has already confirmed its “hawkish” stance, tomorrow’s meetings of European regulators will be a moment of truth: will they acknowledge the inevitability of a prolonged period of high rates due to the energy crisis, or will they attempt to soften their rhetoric to support fading economic growth?

Silver prices (XAG) fell to $76.9 per ounce, pressured by the Fed’s updated expectations. The FOMC’s decision to keep rates unchanged and project only one rate cut this year sharply increased the alternative cost of holding the metal. Investors were particularly alarmed by the upward revision of the core PCE inflation prediction: the regulator made it clear that it is prepared to stick to a “higher for longer” policy to contain the consequences of the structural energy shock caused by the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and strikes on Iranian oil fields.

WTI crude oil showed a sharp intraday reversal, rising above $97.3 per barrel amid a critical escalation in the Persian Gulf. Reports of strikes on Iran’s gas giant South Pars and the death of Iran’s intelligence minister Esmail Khatib outweighed all attempts by Washington to stabilize the market, including the temporary suspension of the Jones Act and a 6.2‑million‑barrel increase in US commercial crude inventories. Even the Fed’s “hawkish” decision to keep rates in the 3.5-3.75% range only briefly cooled the bulls, as the effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz created a structural deficit that cannot be quickly offset by strategic reserves or increased domestic refining.

Asian markets mostly rose yesterday. Japan’s Nikkei 225 (JP225) gained 2.87%, China’s FTSE China A50 (CHA50) jumped 0.14%, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng (HK50) rose by 0.61%, and Australia’s ASX 200 (AU200) posted a positive result of 0.31%.

On Thursday, the Australian dollar (AUD) showed a corrective rise to 0.704 per US dollar, recovering part of its losses after yesterday’s decline. The fresh labor market report presented investors with a mixed but generally constructive picture: an explosive increase in employment by 48,900 (vs. the prognosis of 20,000) confirmed the economy’s strong resilience, but an unexpected rise in the unemployment rate to 4.3% slightly cooled the hawks’ enthusiasm. Nevertheless, the RBA still considers the labor market historically strong, leaving the door open for further policy tightening.

The New Zealand dollar (NZD) exhibited volatility. Investors faced conflicting signals: extremely weak GDP data for the December quarter (growth of only 0.2% vs. the expected 0.4%) point to economic fragility, while inflationary risks due to the war in Iran are forcing the market to revise rate anticipation. Although annual GDP growth reached 1.3%, it fell short of the target 1.7%, confirming that domestic consumption in New Zealand remains subdued.