After meandering for a couple of months, financial markets endured numerous frenzied swings during March as the war in Iran raged.
People work on the floor at the New York Stock Exchange in New York, Monday, March 30, 2026. Patrick McKeon, center, works on the floor at the New York Stock Exchange in New York, Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
Fuel transport truck driver Terry Bowden refills at a gas station, Monday, March 30, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. People work on the floor at the New York Stock Exchange in New York, Monday, March 30, 2026. The price of is above $100 for the first time since the summer of 2022 and gasoline prices have soared. That followed an extended period where the price of oil largely stayed between $60 and $70.— whether some companies were spending too much on it and whether others would be rendered obsolete by the technology. Investors have probably forgotten their concerns about President Donald Trump's spat with the European Union over his suggestion the U.S. take over Greenland. Now, investors' attention is squarely on how long the Iran war will last, how much inflation could jump and what that could mean for the economy. Dramatic intraday swings in indexes like the S&P 500 have been common., which has kept rates steady this year after reducing them three times at the end of last year. Cutting rates further would help the economy, but it could also put upward pressure on inflation. Keeping them high would help fight inflation, but also put pressure on economic growth.Oil prices have been dictating the U.S. stock market’s sharp swings since the Iran war began. Brent crude, the benchmark for about three-quarters of global crude oil, has shot from roughly $70 per barrel to as high as $119 at times. Investors have flipped back and forth between hopes for a fairly quick end to the war and worries that a prolonged conflict will keep oil and natural gas from the Persian Gulf out of global markets, which could create a brutal blast of inflation. As February came to a close, drivers in many parts of the U.S. were paying under $3 for a gallon of gas. As of Tuesday,The jump in diesel, used in many freight and delivery trucks, is more pronounced, with the average for a gallon now $5.45, up from about $3.76 a gallon before the war began, according to AAA. “Americans spending hundreds of millions of dollars more on gasoline every day,” said Patrick De Haan, the head of petroleum analysis at fuel-tracking service GasBuddy.The U.S. stock market came into 2026 coming off three straight years of strong gains. Many international markets outpaced it in 2025 after trailing behind for a few years. With a drop of nearly 4.6%, the S&P 500 had its worst quarterly performance since 2022. The Nasdaq composite, with a heavy allotment of technology stocks, on Thursday closed down more than 10% from the all-time high it set in October, a steep-enough fall that professional investors call it a “correction.” Not surprisingly, energy stocks have been among the best performers in the S&P 500 for the month and the quarter. Exxon Mobil had its largest quarterly gain, according to FactSet. Other strong performers include Occidental Petroleum and Valero Energy. Perhaps it's fitting that the stock market ended the month with another outsized move, this time to the upside on renewed hopes the war could end sooner than later. Such hopes, though, have built up and then vanished quickly several times already so far during the war.Typically investors flock to bonds and other safe-haven assets when a global event threatens the economy. But in this case, the chance of a spike in inflation due to the surge in oil prices has caused a sell-off in bonds and a corresponding jump in their yields. The yield on the 10-year Treasury was at just 3.97% in late February but ballooned as high as 4.44% before falling back a bit. That surge has helped and other loans for U.S. households and businesses. Traders now see just a slim chance that the Fed will cuts rates even once this year.and threats of escalating it to target Iran's energy infrastructure. The Iranians have downplayed Trump's claims of progress in diplomatic talks. Iran maintains a stranglehold on the Strait of Hormuz, the waterway leading out of the Persian Gulf through which a fifth of the world’s oil is transported during peacetime. As long as that remains the status quo, analysts expects oil and stock markets to continue to experience heightened volatility. Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.4:55JSO data shows Atlantic Blvd., where deadly crash occurred, is not a ‘high-frequency crash’ areaOne wrong move: The sometimes-life-threatening reality inside Jacksonville’s road work zonesJudge weights how to schedule Fernandez, Gardner trials amid jury selection🏡✨ Ready to find your dream home?Fake Instagram account created by high school students leads to former DCPS police officer’s arrestFake Instagram account created by high school students leads to former DCPS police officer’s arrestThe Jags are about to get a new 'home away from home' for 2027Woman found fatally shot in front yard of home on Jacksonville’s WestsideLawmakers hope new law spurs affordable housing, but some say it weakens local government control‘Crash zone’: Northside neighbors demand action on dangerous curveWoman found fatally shot in front yard of home on Jacksonville’s WestsideMeet our March Positively JAX winner: Waste Not Florida 💙♻️▶Florida court shuts down online gift card business based in Ponte Vedra, imposes over $800K in finesCashless touchscreens replace parking kiosks in downtown St. AugustineDNA test connects Clay County Navy veteran to WWII POW missing for over 80 yearsLoved ones say farewell to 23-year-old JFRD engineer who died in crashSt. Augustine replacing downtown parking kiosks with cashless touchscreensLoved ones mourn Jacksonville father of 4 killed in apartment shootingHundreds participate in Jacksonville ‘No Kings’ rally against Trump administration1:02Flagler College students protest housing policy as seniors cite affordability, availability concernsFlagler College students protest housing policy as seniors cite affordability, availability concernsIt's a great day for Jumbo Shrimp baseball! Join us tonight for the home opening weekendGAME DAY ⚾🦐 The defending Triple-A National Champion Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp returnDuval County schools warns families about unsanctioned ‘senior skip day’ at Jacksonville BeachShould an HOA or property management company be required to post parking rules for visitors?
U.S. News Business Donald Trump
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
US Warns Iran: Deal or Destruction – Military Operations in Iran at a Critical JunctureThe United States is in intense negotiations with a new Iranian regime, threatening to obliterate critical infrastructure if a peace deal isn't reached and the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. The Pentagon prepares for ground operations as diplomatic efforts continue, while highlighting the destruction near the Al Araby TV offices after a missile strike in Tehran. The situation emphasizes the precariousness of the region, where diplomacy and military readiness are balanced.
Read more »
Iran live updates: Trump threatens Iran infrastructure strikes if talks failTrump said 'serious' talks are ongoing with Tehran.
Read more »
Iran live updates: Trump threatens Iran infrastructure strikes if talks failTrump said 'serious' talks are ongoing with Tehran.
Read more »
Iran live updates: Trump threatens Iran infrastructure strikes if talks failTrump said 'serious' talks are ongoing with Tehran.
Read more »
Iran live updates: Trump threatens Iran infrastructure strikes if talks failTrump said 'serious' talks are ongoing with Tehran.
Read more »
Iran live updates: Trump threatens Iran infrastructure strikes if talks failTrump said 'serious' talks are ongoing with Tehran.
Read more »