Middle East Tensions and Inflation Worries Weigh on Global Stocks and Metals

Barry Adams
23 Mar, 2026
New York City

Stocks on Wall Street retreated for the fourth consecutive week amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. 

The S&P 500 Index decreased 1.4%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite dropped 1.8% at the start of a new week. 

Benchmark indexes extended losses for the fifth week, and the S&P 500 index has fallen 7% from its peak on January 12, and the Nasdaq Composite has declined about 9% from its high on January 28. 

Brent crude oil prices jumped to as high as $115 a barrel, and West Texas Intermediate rose 0.6% to $98.73 a barrel. 

as the leaders of the U.S. and Iran exchanged sharp comments over the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. 

Over the weekend, the U.S. president threatened to attack Iran's power plants, and Iranian leaders said that the nation is ready to attack key U.S. assets and desalination plants in the Middle East in retaliation. 

Despite the U.S. president's claims of war nearing the end, the militaries of the U.S. and Israel are preparing for a ground offensive through the borders with Iraq and Pakistan, according to sources in Karachi and Bagdad. 

At least 3,000 U.S. Marines are expected to cross Iran's border with the help of Kurds in the north and Baluchis in the southeast.

Benchmark indexes in China, Hong Kong, India, and Asia plunged between 2.5% and 4% amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. 

Elevated fuel prices continued to fuel inflation worries among major central banks, supporting the hawkish stance on future rate outlooks.

Gold, silver, and copper continued to drift to new lows amid worries that major central banks may be forced to lift rates following a sharp increase in crude oil and natural gas prices. 

Spot gold prices dropped as much as 8% on Monday and hovered near $4,100 per ounce. Gold is now down about 25% from its peak of $5,594.90 at the end of January. 

Silver declined 5.4% to $63.86 an ounce and extended its loss to over 50% since the high of $117.00 on February 28, when the Israel-U.S. war on Iran began.

Middle East Tensions and Inflation Worries Weigh on Global Stocks and Metals

Barry Adams
23 Mar, 2026
New York City

Stocks on Wall Street retreated for the fourth consecutive week amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. 

The S&P 500 Index decreased 1.4%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite dropped 1.8% at the start of a new week. 

Benchmark indexes extended losses for the fifth week, and the S&P 500 index has fallen 7% from its peak on January 12, and the Nasdaq Composite has declined about 9% from its high on January 28. 

Brent crude oil prices jumped to as high as $115 a barrel, and West Texas Intermediate rose 0.6% to $98.73 a barrel. 

as the leaders of the U.S. and Iran exchanged sharp comments over the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. 

Over the weekend, the U.S. president threatened to attack Iran's power plants, and Iranian leaders said that the nation is ready to attack key U.S. assets and desalination plants in the Middle East in retaliation. 

Despite the U.S. president's claims of war nearing the end, the militaries of the U.S. and Israel are preparing for a ground offensive through the borders with Iraq and Pakistan, according to sources in Karachi and Bagdad. 

At least 3,000 U.S. Marines are expected to cross Iran's border with the help of Kurds in the north and Baluchis in the southeast.

Benchmark indexes in China, Hong Kong, India, and Asia plunged between 2.5% and 4% amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. 

Elevated fuel prices continued to fuel inflation worries among major central banks, supporting the hawkish stance on future rate outlooks.

Gold, silver, and copper continued to drift to new lows amid worries that major central banks may be forced to lift rates following a sharp increase in crude oil and natural gas prices. 

Spot gold prices dropped as much as 8% on Monday and hovered near $4,100 per ounce. Gold is now down about 25% from its peak of $5,594.90 at the end of January. 

Silver declined 5.4% to $63.86 an ounce and extended its loss to over 50% since the high of $117.00 on February 28, when the Israel-U.S. war on Iran began.

Middle East Tensions Weighed On Japan and Asian Markets

Akira Ito
23 Mar, 2026
Tokyo

Japan's indexes extended losses of the previous week amid rapidly escalating tensions in the Middle East.

The Nikkei 225 stock average dropped as much as 4%, and the broader Topix index decreased 3.5%.

Brent crude oil prices jumped to as high as $115 a barrel as the leaders of the U.S. and Iran exchanged sharp comments over the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. 

Despite the U.S. president's claims of war nearing the end, the militaries of the U.S. and Israel are preparing for a ground offensive through the borders with Iraq and Pakistan. 

At least 3,000 U.S. Marines are expected to cross with the help of Kurds in the north and Baluchis in the southeast.

Benchmark indexes in China, Hong Kong, India and Asia plunged between 2.5% and 4% amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. 

Elevated fuel prices continued to fuel inflation worries among major central banks, supporting the hawkish stance on future rate outlooks. 

The Bank of Japan left its benchmark rates unchanged and signaled its readiness to raise them if needed.

Japan Indexes and Stocks 

The Nikkei 225 stock average dropped 3.5% to 51,515.49, and the broader Topix declined 3.4% to 3,486.44. 

Technology, financial, and consumer stocks led decliners in Tokyo trading on Monday as inflation worries overshadowed market sentiment. 

Tokyo Electron, Advantest Corp., SoftBank Group, and Kioxia Holdings fell between 2% and 5%. 

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial, Mizuho Financial, and Sumitomo Mitsui Financial dropped between 4% and 6%. 

Fast Retailing, Seven & I Holdings, and Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings decreased between 2% and 4%. 

Nippon Yusen Corp., Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha dropped between 5% and 9%.

Middle East Tensions Weighed On Japan and Asian Markets

Akira Ito
23 Mar, 2026
Tokyo

Japan's indexes extended losses of the previous week amid rapidly escalating tensions in the Middle East.

The Nikkei 225 stock average dropped as much as 4%, and the broader Topix index decreased 3.5%.

Brent crude oil prices jumped to as high as $115 a barrel as the leaders of the U.S. and Iran exchanged sharp comments over the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. 

Despite the U.S. president's claims of war nearing the end, the militaries of the U.S. and Israel are preparing for a ground offensive through the borders with Iraq and Pakistan. 

At least 3,000 U.S. Marines are expected to cross with the help of Kurds in the north and Baluchis in the southeast.

Benchmark indexes in China, Hong Kong, Idia and Asia plunged between 2.5% and 4% amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. 

Elevated fuel prices continued to fuel inflation worries among major central banks, supporting the hawkish stance on future rate outlooks. 

The Bank of Japan left its benchmark rates unchanged and signaled its readiness to raise them if needed.

Japan Indexes and Stocks 

The Nikkei 225 stock average dropped 3.5% to 51,515.49, and the broader Topix declined 3.4% to 3,486.44. 

Technology, financial, and consumer stocks led decliners in Tokyo trading on Monday as inflation worries overshadowed market sentiment. 

Tokyo Electron, Advantest Corp., SoftBank Group, and Kioxia Holdings fell between 2% and 5%. 

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial, Mizuho Financial, and Sumitomo Mitsui Financial dropped between 4% and 6%. 

Fast Retailing, Seven & I Holdings, and Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings decreased between 2% and 4%. 

Nippon Yusen Corp., Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha dropped between 5% and 9%.

China and Hong Kong Stocks Nosedived as Strait of Hormuz Crisis Deepens

Li Chen
23 Mar, 2026
Hong Kong

The surge in crude oil prices knocked down stocks in China and Asia at the start of a new week. 

The Hang Seng Index plunged 3.5%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index fell 2.4% after tensions in the Middle East escalated. 

Brent crude oil prices jumped to as high as $115 a barrel as the leaders of the U.S. and Iran exchanged sharp comments over the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. 

Despite the U.S. president's claims of war nearing the end, the militaries of the U.S. and Israel are preparing for a ground offensive through the borders with Iraq and Pakistan. 

At least 3,000 U.S. Marines are expected to cross with the help of Kurds in the north and Baluchis in the southeast.

Benchmark indexes in China, Hong Kong, and Asia plunged between 2.5% and 4% amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. 

China Indexes and Stocks 

The Hang Seng Index dropped 3.5% to 24,400.46, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index decreased 2.5% to 4,456.69. 

Technology and mining stocks extended the previous three weeks of losses as the Middle East conflict shows no sign of easing. 

Zijin Mining, Laopu Gold, and Zijin Gold dropped between 4% and 10%, reflecting lower prices of copper, gold, and silver.

Alibaba Group, Meituan, and Tencent Holdings dropped between 5% and 7% following a weakness in tech stocks across Asia.

China and Hong Kong Stocks Nosedived as Strait of Hormuz Crisis Deepens

Li Chen
23 Mar, 2026
Hong Kong

The surge in crude oil prices knocked down stocks in China and Asia at the start of a new week. 

The Hang Seng Index plunged 3.5%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index fell 2.4% after tensions in the Middle East escalated. 

Brent crude oil prices jumped to as high as $115 a barrel as the leaders of the U.S. and Iran exchanged sharp comments over the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. 

Despite the U.S. president's claims of war nearing the end, the militaries of the U.S. and Israel are preparing for a ground offensive through the borders with Iraq and Pakistan. 

At least 3,000 U.S. Marines are expected to cross with the help of Kurds in the north and Baluchis in the southeast.

Benchmark indexes in China, Hong Kong, and Asia plunged between 2.5% and 4% amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. 

China Indexes and Stocks 

The Hang Seng Index dropped 3.5% to 24,400.46, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index decreased 2.5% to 4,456.69. 

Technology and mining stocks extended the previous three weeks of losses as the Middle East conflict shows no sign of easing. 

Zijin Mining, Laopu Gold, and Zijin Gold dropped between 4% and 10%, reflecting lower prices of copper, gold, and silver.

Alibaba Group, Meituan, and Tencent Holdings dropped between 5% and 7% following a weakness in tech stocks across Asia.

China and Hong Kong Indexes Lacked Direction as Investors Weighed US-Israel War On Iran

Li Chen
20 Mar, 2026
Hong Kong

Stock market indexes in China and Asia rebounded after the U.S. and Israel were forced to halt the latest missile attacks targeting oil fields in Iran. 

The Hang Seng Index fell 0.5%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index advanced 1% amid expectations of receding tensions in the Middle East. 

Iran struck a severe blow to gas storage facilities in Qatar, raising fears of energy product shipment disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz. 

About 20% of the world's natural gas supply passes through the narrow waterway, connecting Middle Eastern energy producers and markets in India, China, Japan, and South Korea.

So far in the first three weeks of war, Iran has dominated and controlled the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting energy supplies and driving energy prices higher by 50%. 

Moreover, the Trump administration has requested an additional $20 billion in funding to accelerate the building of missiles, interceptors, and drones. 

Brent crude oil prices fell 2% to $107.98 a barrel after Israel said it no longer plans to attack Iranian energy facilities and Iranian military capabilities have been "degraded."

Still, crude oil traded above $100 a barrel, supporting the case for a significant slowdown in global economic growth and higher food prices worldwide. 

China Indexes and Stocks 

The Hang Seng Index decreased 0.5% to 25,375.31, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index advanced 1% to 4,626.79.

Crude oil prices swung wildly this week as investors reacted to the fast-changing situation in the Middle East. Moreover, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and the UAE have suffered multiple attacks on their energy infrastructure, which has raised concerns about the stability of oil supplies and contributed to the volatility in crude oil prices. 

Alibaba Group Holding dropped 6% to HK $124.20 after the e-commerce platform operator reported weaker-than-expected December quarter results.

Revenue increased 2% from a year ago to 284.8 billion yuan, or $40.7 billion. Excluding revenue from the disposed businesses of Sun Art and Intime, revenue on a comparable basis would have grown by 9%.

Net income plunged 66% to 15.2 billion yuan, or $2.2 billion, primarily because of a decrease in operating income. 

The elevated level of investment in cloud computing and artificial intelligence infrastructure is likely to dent the earnings outlook in the near future. 

China and Hong Kong Indexes Lacked Direction as Investors Weighed US-Israel War On Iran

Li Chen
20 Mar, 2026
Hong Kong

Stock market indexes in China and Asia rebounded after the U.S. and Israel were forced to halt the latest missile attacks targeting oil fields in Iran. 

The Hang Seng Index fell 0.5%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index advanced 1% amid expectations of receding tensions in the Middle East. 

Iran struck a severe blow to gas storage facilities in Qatar, raising fears of energy product shipment disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz. 

About 20% of the world's natural gas supply passes through the narrow waterway, connecting Middle Eastern energy producers and markets in India, China, Japan, and South Korea.

So far in the first three weeks of war, Iran has dominated and controlled the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting energy supplies and driving energy prices higher by 50%. 

Moreover, the Trump administration has requested an additional $20 billion in funding to accelerate the building of missiles, interceptors, and drones. 

Brent crude oil prices fell 2% to $107.98 a barrel after Israel said it no longer plans to attack Iranian energy facilities and Iranian military capabilities have been "degraded."

Still, crude oil traded above $100 a barrel, supporting the case for a significant slowdown in global economic growth and higher food prices worldwide. 

China Indexes and Stocks 

The Hang Seng Index decreased 0.5% to 25,375.31, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index advanced 1% to 4,626.79.

Crude oil prices swung wildly this week as investors reacted to the fast-changing situation in the Middle East. Moreover, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and the UAE have suffered multiple attacks on their energy infrastructure, which has raised concerns about the stability of oil supplies and contributed to the volatility in crude oil prices. 

Alibaba Group Holding dropped 6% to HK $124.20 after the e-commerce platform operator reported weaker-than-expected December quarter results.

Revenue increased 2% from a year ago to 284.8 billion yuan, or $40.7 billion. Excluding revenue from the disposed businesses of Sun Art and Intime, revenue on a comparable basis would have grown by 9%.

Net income plunged 66% to 15.2 billion yuan, or $2.2 billion, primarily because of a decrease in operating income. 

The elevated level of investment in cloud computing and artificial intelligence infrastructure is likely to dent the earnings outlook in the near future. 

Another Leg Up In Crude Oil Prices Reignite Fears of Inflation, Stocks Deepen Losses

Barry Adams
19 Mar, 2026
New York City

Stocks in New York deepened this week's losses amid a growing realization that the conflict in the Middle East is likely to widen in the region. 

The S&P 500 Index decreased 0.2%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite declined 0.3% in early trading. 

Since the start of the war on February 28, the broader benchmark has dropped about 3%, and the technology-focused index has lost about 6%. 

Brent crude prices jumped 6% to $114.20 a barrel, and West Texas Intermediate advanced 2.3% to $96.45 a barrel amid rapidly escalating war in the Middle East. 

Iran's missiles struck gas storage facilities in Qatar, retaliating against the U.S.-Israel missile attacks on Iran's Pars energy field. 

Natural gas prices in Europe soared 27% to €63.25 per MWh amid worries that the global supply of natural gas is likely to remain disrupted longer than previously expected.

Israel's unprovoked war on Iran, supported by the U.S., is wreaking havoc on energy markets, and rapidly rising prices of fuel are stoking worldwide inflation and dampening global economic growth.

Moreover, illegal strikes by the U.S. military have murdered at least 165 school children in Iran.

U.S. Movers 

Micron Technology declined 4.9% to $439.06 despite the chipmaker reporting a sharp jump in revenue in the fiscal second quarter ending on February 26.

Revenue soared to $23.9 billion from $8.1 billion, net income advanced to $13.8 billion from $1.6 billion, and diluted earnings per share jumped to $12.07 from $1.41 a year ago. 

The rapid deployment of artificial intelligence infrastructure has skyrocketed demand for memory chips, driving the prices higher over the last eighteen months. 

Micron estimated fiscal third quarter revenue of $33.5 billion, with a band of $750 million, a gross margin of 81%, and a diluted earnings per share range between $18.50 and $19.30.

Another Leg Up In Crude Oil Prices Stoke Fears of Inflation, Stock Deepen Losses

Barry Adams
19 Mar, 2026
New York City

Stocks in New York deepened this week's losses amid a growing realization that the conflict in the Middle East is likely to widen in the region. 

The S&P 500 Index decreased 0.2%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite declined 0.3% in early trading. 

Since the start of the war on February 28, the broader benchmark has dropped about 3%, and the technology-focused index has lost about 6%. 

Brent crude prices jumped 6% to $114.20 a barrel, and West Texas Intermediate advanced 2.3% to $96.45 a barrel amid rapidly escalating war in the Middle East. 

Iran's missiles struck gas storage facilities in Qatar, retaliating against the U.S.-Israel missile attacks on Iran's Pars energy field. 

Natural gas prices in Europe soared 27% to €63.25 per MWh amid worries that the global supply of natural gas is likely to remain disrupted longer than previously expected.

Israel's unprovoked war on Iran, supported by the U.S., is wreaking havoc on energy markets, and rapidly rising prices of fuel are stoking worldwide inflation and dampening global economic growth.

Moreover, illegal strikes by the U.S. military have murdered at least 165 school children in Iran.

U.S. Movers 

Micron Technology declined 4.9% to $439.06 despite the chipmaker reporting a sharp jump in revenue in the fiscal second quarter ending on February 26.

Revenue soared to $23.9 billion from $8.1 billion, net income advanced to $13.8 billion from $1.6 billion, and diluted earnings per share jumped to $12.07 from $1.41 a year ago. 

The rapid deployment of artificial intelligence infrastructure has skyrocketed demand for memory chips, driving the prices higher over the last eighteen months. 

Micron estimated fiscal third quarter revenue of $33.5 billion, with a band of $750 million, a gross margin of 81%, and a diluted earnings per share range between $18.50 and $19.30.

Japan's Indexes Plunged 3%, BoJ Held Rates at Three-Decade Highs

Akira Ito
19 Mar, 2026
Tokyo

Stocks in Japan plunged, tracking losses in overnight trading on Wall Street. 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average declined 3%, the broader Topix Index decreased 2.4%, and the yen eased to 159.64 against the U.S. dollar.

The Bank of Japan held its benchmark rate at 0.75%, keeping borrowing costs at their highest since September 1995.

The rate decision was passed by an 8-1 vote, as policymakers held views that Japan's moderate economic recovery could be derailed from rapidly escalating tensions in the Middle East. 

Japan is heavily dependent on the Middle East nations for its energy needs and shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.

The policy committee reiterated its intention to lift rates if inflation and economic growth projections evolve as estimated. 

The yen dropped to a multi-month low following the BoJ's rate decisions. 

The U.S. Federal Reserve held its key lending rate range between 3.5% and 3.75% and signaled a possible one rate cut this year, followed by another in 2027. 

The U.S. Fed policymakers held rates steady for the second time this year, and the Iran war complicated the future rate outlook as higher crude oil prices stoked fears of higher inflation for longer.

Policymakers also revised the GDP annual growth rate to 2.4% from the previous estimate of 2.3% but left its jobless rate unrevised at 4.4% for 2026, respectively.

The committee also lifted its inflation estimate in light of the sharp jump in fuel and energy product prices. 

PCE and core PCE inflation estimates were revised higher to 2.7%, higher than December's projections of 2.4% and 2.5%, respectively. 

Japan's shares followed a sharp sell-off on Wall Street amid worries that February's hotter-than-expected producer price inflation at 3.4% is likely to narrow the scope for future rate cuts. 

Japan Indexes and Stocks 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average declined 3% to 53,542.02, and the broader Topix Index dropped 2.4% to 3,628.77. 

Brent crude oil jumped 4% to $112.06 a barrel amid reports that the Trump administration is preparing to deploy between 2,500 and 6,000 troops for a ground invasion of Iran. 

Artificial intelligence infrastructure investment-related stocks led the decliners in Tokyo's trading on Thursday.

Softbank Group, Kioxia Holdings, Advantest Corp., and Tokyo Electron decreased between 3% and 6%. 

Nippon Yusen, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha declined between 1% and 3%. 

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial, Mizuho Financial, and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial fell between 1.5% and 2.0%.

Japan's Indexes Plunged 3%, BoJ Held Rates at Three-Decade Highs

Akira Ito
19 Mar, 2026
Tokyo

Stocks in Japan plunged, tracking losses in overnight trading on Wall Street. 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average declined 3%, the broader Topix Index decreased 2.4%, and the yen eased to 159.64 against the U.S. dollar.

The Bank of Japan held its benchmark rate at 0.75%, keeping borrowing costs at their highest since September 1995.

The rate decision was passed by an 8-1 vote, as policymakers held views that Japan's moderate economic recovery could be derailed from rapidly escalating tensions in the Middle East. 

Japan is heavily dependent on the Middle East nations for its energy needs and shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.

The policy committee reiterated its intention to lift rates if inflation and economic growth projections evolve as estimated. 

The yen dropped to a multi-month low following the BoJ's rate decisions. 

The U.S. Federal Reserve held its key lending rate range between 3.5% and 3.75% and signaled a possible one rate cut this year, followed by another in 2027. 

The U.S. Fed policymakers held rates steady for the second time this year, and the Iran war complicated the future rate outlook as higher crude oil prices stoked fears of higher inflation for longer.

Policymakers also revised the GDP annual growth rate to 2.4% from the previous estimate of 2.3% but left its jobless rate unrevised at 4.4% for 2026, respectively.

The committee also lifted its inflation estimate in light of the sharp jump in fuel and energy product prices. 

PCE and core PCE inflation estimates were revised higher to 2.7%, higher than December's projections of 2.4% and 2.5%, respectively. 

Japan's shares followed a sharp sell-off on Wall Street amid worries that February's hotter-than-expected producer price inflation at 3.4% is likely to narrow the scope for future rate cuts. 

Japan Indexes and Stocks 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average declined 3% to 53,542.02, and the broader Topix Index dropped 2.4% to 3,628.77. 

Brent crude oil jumped 4% to $112.06 a barrel amid reports that the Trump administration is preparing to deploy between 2,500 and 6,000 troops for a ground invasion of Iran. 

Artificial intelligence infrastructure investment-related stocks led the decliners in Tokyo's trading on Thursday.

Softbank Group, Kioxia Holdings, Advantest Corp., and Tokyo Electron decreased between 3% and 6%. 

Nippon Yusen, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha declined between 1% and 3%. 

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial, Mizuho Financial, and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial fell between 1.5% and 2.0%.

China and HK Stocks Turned Lower After U.S. Rate Decisions

Li Chen
19 Mar, 2026
Hong Kong

Stocks in Hong Kong and China fell following sharp losses in overnight trading on Wall Street. 

The Hang Seng Index fell 1.7%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index decreased 1% after comments made by U.S. Fed Chair Powell. 

The U.S. Federal Reserve held its key lending rate range between 3.5% and 3.75% and signaled a possible one rate cut this year followed by another in 2027. 

Policymakers held rates steady for the second time this year, and the Iran war complicated the future rate outlook as higher crude oil prices stoked fears of higher inflation for longer. 

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority held its reference rate at 4%, tracking the Fed to maintain the Hong Kong dollar's parity with the U.S. dollar. 

The Bank of Japan held its rates at 0.75%, and policymakers highlighted Japan's economy is recovering moderately, but escalating tensions in the Middle East are likely to cloud the export outlook and offer headwinds to the domestic economy.

China Indexes and Stocks 

The Hang Seng Index dropped 1.7% to 25,587.74, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index decreased 1% to 4,612.28. 

Benchmark indexes in Japan, South Korea, India, and Australia dropped between 1.6% and 2.8%, tracking losses in overnight trading in New York. 

Tencent Holdings declined 6% after the parent company of the social media and communication platform operator reported financial results. 

Stock faced selling pressure on the worry of lagging returns from the elevated level of investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure. 

China and HK Stocks Turned Lower After U.S. Rate Decisions

Li Chen
19 Mar, 2026
Hong Kong

Stocks in Hong Kong and China fell following sharp losses in overnight trading on Wall Street. 

The Hang Seng Index fell 1.7%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index decreased 1% after comments made by U.S. Fed Chair Powell. 

The U.S. Federal Reserve held its key lending rate range between 3.5% and 3.75% and signaled a possible one rate cut this year followed by another in 2027. 

Policymakers held rates steady for the second time this year, and the Iran war complicated the future rate outlook as higher crude oil prices stoked fears of higher inflation for longer. 

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority held its reference rate at 4%, tracking the Fed to maintain the Hong Kong dollar's parity with the U.S. dollar. 

The Bank of Japan held its rates at 0.75%, and policymakers highlighted Japan's economy is recovering moderately, but escalating tensions in the Middle East are likely to cloud the export outlook and offer headwinds to the domestic economy.

China Indexes and Stocks 

The Hang Seng Index dropped 1.7% to 25,587.74, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index decreased 1% to 4,612.28. 

Benchmark indexes in Japan, South Korea, India, and Australia dropped between 1.6% and 2.8%, tracking losses in overnight trading in New York. 

Tencent Holdings declined 6% after the parent company of the social media and communication platform operator reported financial results. 

Stock faced selling pressure on the worry of lagging returns from the elevated level of investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure. 

U.S. Movers: DocuSign, Dollar General, Lululemon Athletica

Scott Peters
18 Mar, 2026
New York City

DocuSign advanced 1.3% to $48.40 after the software company reported higher-than-expected fiscal fourth-quarter results. 

Total revenue in the quarter increased 8% to $836.8 million from $776.5 million, net income advanced to $90.3 million from $83.5 million, and diluted earnings per share rose to 44 cents from 39 cents a year ago.

The company repurchased $269.1 million of its stock in the quarter compared to $161.7 million in the same period last year.

The company's Board of Directors approved the expansion of its stock repurchase plan by as much as $2 billion; the current remaining stock repurchase program is worth $2.6 billion. 

The company's outlook for the current quarter and fiscal year also surpassed market expectations. 

The software company guided fiscal first-quarter revenue to range between $822 million and $826 million, an increase of 8% from a year ago. 

Dollar General Corp. gained 2.3% to $134.85 after the deep discount retailer reported better-than-expected results in the fiscal fourth quarter ending on January 31.

Net sales increased to $10.9 billion from $10.3 billion, net income soared to $426.3 million from $191.2 million, and diluted earnings per share rose to $1.93 from 87 cents a year ago. 

In the quarter a year ago, the earnings per share included a negative impact of approximately $0.81 per share related to the "store portfolio optimization review."

Same-store sales in the fiscal year rose 3.0%, driven by a 4.3% increase in sales in the fourth quarter. 

The fiscal year same-store sales rise reflected increases of 1.6% in customer traffic and 1.4% in average transaction amount and was driven by a growth in each of the consumables, seasonal, home products, and apparel categories.

The company's Board of Directors announced a 59-cent per share dividend payable on April 21 to shareholders on record on April 7. 

For the fiscal year 2026, the company estimated net sales to rise between 3.7% and 4.2%, diluted earnings per share between $7.10 and $7.35, and same-store sales growth in the range between 2.2% and 2.7%. 

Lululemon Athletica decreased 0.8% to $157.78 after the athletic apparel retailer reported its results for the fiscal fourth quarter ending on February 1 and issued an outlook for the current fiscal year. 

Net revenue in the quarter increased 1% to $3.64 billion from $3.61 billion, net income decreased to $586.8 million from $784.8 million, and diluted earnings per share declined to $5.01 from $6.14 a year ago. 

Comparable store sales increased 3%, driven by a 1% decrease in the Americas and a 16% jump in international locations. 

In the quarter, the company repurchased 1.4 million of its shares for a cost of $269.1 million and opened 15 net new stores, ending with 811 stores. 

The specialty apparel retailer reported better-than-expected fiscal fourth-quarter results, but the company's fiscal 2006 sales outlook between $11.35 billion and $11.50 billion fell short of market expectations.