Week In Perspective | Markets Weather New Middle East Conflict [09-March-26]

Updated: 09-March-2026

The Week on Wall Street

Stocks fell last week as investors assessed the implications of a fresh Middle East conflict while digesting mixed reports on the jobs market.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 2.02 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index slid 1.24 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 3.05 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, lost 6.62 percent.^1,2

Middle East Conflict

Stocks opened lower on the first trading day as investors reacted to news of military action in the Middle East. However, the decline was short-lived as investors “bought the dip.” All three major averages recovered or nearly recovered from their intraday lows by Monday’s close.³

Stocks opened lower again on Tuesday as the markets mulled over the possibility of a protracted conflict. However, afternoon comments from the White House—promising to provide risk insurance and U.S. Navy escorts to oil tankers and other maritime trade vessels in the Persian Gulf—seemed to calm investor nerves enough for stocks to partially recover before the close.⁴
 
Stocks opened higher at the opening bell on Wednesday, driven by a tech rebound and stabilized oil prices. News of stronger-than-expected private employer hiring from ADP boosted sentiment. By the closing bell, the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq were in the green for the week to date.⁵

But markets were under pressure the rest of the week on concerns over a widening conflict. Stocks opened lower on Friday after the latest jobs report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed the economy unexpectedly lost 92,000 jobs last month. Meanwhile, news that some oil fields in the Middle East had begun to cut production amid dwindling storage capacity added new complexity to the ongoing conflict.^6,7

Focus on Oil

U.S. crude oil prices rose 36 percent—the biggest weekly gain since 1983. The conflict has brought tanker traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for energy supplies, to a near standstill. Also, an ongoing concern is how insurance companies will adjust rates in the coming weeks due to heightened risks.8

This Week: Key Economic Data

Tuesday: NFIB Small Business Optimism Index. Existing Home Sales.

Wednesday: Consumer Price Index (CPI). Federal Budget.

Thursday: Weekly Jobless Claims. Trade Deficit. Housing Starts. Building Permits.

Friday: Gross Domestic Product (Q4—first revision). Personal Consumption & Expenditures Index* (Jan). Durable Goods* (Jan). Job Openings* (Jan). Consumer Sentiment.

^{*Indicates federal data release delayed by the government shutdown in October and November of last year}

^{Source: Investors Business Daily - Econoday economic calendar: March 6, 2026.The Econoday economic calendar lists upcoming U.S. economic data releases (including key economic indicators), Federal Reserve policy meetings, and speaking engagements of Federal Reserve officials. The content is developed from sources believed to provide accurate information. The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and may not materialize. The forecasts are also subject to revision.}

This Week: Companies Reporting Earnings

Tuesday: Oracle Corporation (ORCL)

Thursday: Adobe Inc. (ADBE), Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. (WPM)

^{Source: Zacks, March 6, 2026. Companies mentioned are for informational purposes only. It should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of the securities. Investing involves risks, and investment decisions should be based on your goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance. The return and principal value of investments will fluctuate as market conditions change. When sold, investments may be worth more or less than their original cost. Companies may reschedule their earnings reports without notice.}

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