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. 

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. 

Investors Await Fed's Views On Inflation and Future Rate Path Amid Higher Oil Prices

Barry Adams
18 Mar, 2026
New York City

Stocks extended this week's advance ahead of the Fed's rate decisions as investors reviewed the fast-changing situation in the Middle East. 

The S&P 500 Index gained 0.5%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite advanced 0.6% as tech stocks led gainers for the third consecutive day in a row.

Crude oil prices bounced around their recent highs amid uncertainty about the resumption of energy product shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. 

The Trump administration signaled that the U.S. military is prepared to offer support to cargo ships traversing through the narrow channel, lifting hopes that shipments to India, China, South Korea, and Japan are likely to resume in the near future. 

Texas crude oil prices decreased by 1.1% to $95.16 a barrel as the U.S. abandoned its plan to form an international coalition to secure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. 

Despite the Trump administration's claims of success in its military attacks on Iran, NATO allies pushed back on forming a coalition to provide a safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

The Federal Reserve is widely anticipated to hold the Fed Funds rate range between 3.5% and 3.75%, despite rising inflationary pressures. 

Investors are awaiting Federal Reserve Chair Powell's comments on the impact of higher energy prices on the monetary policy outlook. 

U.S. Movers 

Lululemon Athletica decreased 0.8% to $157.78 after the athletic apparel retailer reported its quarterly results and issued an outlook for the current fiscal year. 

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. 

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

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

Investors Await Fed's Views On Inflation and Future Rate Path Amid High Oil Prices

Barry Adams
18 Mar, 2026
New York City

Stocks extended this week's advance ahead of the Fed's rate decisions as investors reviewed the fast-changing situation in the Middle East. 

The S&P 500 Index gained 0.5%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite advanced 0.6% as tech stocks led gainers for the third consecutive day in a row.

Crude oil prices bounced around their recent highs amid uncertainty about the resumption of energy product shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. 

The Trump administration signaled that the U.S. military is prepared to offer support to cargo ships traversing through the narrow channel, lifting hopes that shipments to India, China, South Korea, and Japan are likely to resume in the near future. 

Texas crude oil prices decreased by 1.1% to $95.16 a barrel as the U.S. abandoned its plan to form an international coalition to secure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. 

Despite the Trump administration's claims of success in its military attacks on Iran, NATO allies pushed back on forming a coalition to provide a safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

The Federal Reserve is widely anticipated to hold the Fed Funds rate range between 3.5% and 3.75%, despite rising inflationary pressures. 

Investors are awaiting Federal Reserve Chair Powell's comments on the impact of higher energy prices on the monetary policy outlook. 

U.S. Movers 

Lululemon Athletica decreased 0.8% to $157.78 after the athletic apparel retailer reported its quarterly results and issued an outlook for the current fiscal year. 

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. 

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

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

Tokyo Stocks Advanced as Middle East Worries Eased, Japan's Trade Surplus Shrank In February

Akira Ito
18 Mar, 2026
Tokyo

Stocks in Tokyo rebounded, and benchmark indexes reversed previous session's losses. 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average jumped nearly 3%, and the broader Topix index gained more than 2% as investors held out for stability in crude oil prices.

The Trump administration signaled that the U.S. military is prepared to offer support to cargo ships traversing through the narrow channel, lifting hopes that shipments to India, China, South Korea, and Japan are likely to resume in the near future. 

Brent crude oil prices decreased by 2.3% to $101.17 a barrel as the U.S. abandoned its plan to form an international coalition to secure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. 

Despite the Trump administration's claims of success in its military attacks in Iran, NATO allies pushed back on forming a coalition to provide a safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. 

Market sentiment was further boosted after Japan's exports in February rose by 4.2% from a year ago, surpassing expectations. 

Japan's Trade Surplus Shrank Amid Softer Demand from China and U.S.

Exports rose to 9.7 trillion yen, a slower than a 16.8% rise in the previous month amid softer demand from China. 

Shipments to India advanced 22.4% and to the European Union rose 14%, but fell to China by 10.9% and to the U.S. by 8% due to weakness in automobiles, auto parts, and pharmaceuticals. 

Japan's shipments to the U.S. declined to 1.75 trillion yen and declined for the third consecutive month as shipments of automobiles plunged 16.6% from a year ago, pushed down by aggressive tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.

Imports advanced 10.2% to 9.5 trillion yen, the Finance Ministry said in a preliminary report.

February's international trade balance dropped to 57.3 billion yen, or $361 million, and the increase in advanced chip exports to other Asian countries was overwhelmed by the weakness in shipments to the U.S. and China.  

The trade surplus fell sharply from 559.2 billion yen in the month a year ago as growth in imports rose faster than exports. 

The Middle East conflict this month has driven oil prices higher by 50%, which is likely to turn the international trade balance to a deficit in March and April. 

Japan Indexes and Stocks 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average soared 2.9% to 55,239.40, and the broader TOPIX Index advanced 2.5% to 3,717.41. 

Semiconductor equipment makers led gainers in Tokyo on Thursday's trading. 

SoftBank Group, Advantest Corp., Tokyo Electron, and Disco Corp. jumped between 2% and 5%. 

Nippon Yusen, Mitsui OSK Lines, and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha rose between 2% and 5%.

Tokyo Stocks Advanced as Middle East Worries Eased, Japan's Trade Surplus Shrank In F

Akira Ito
18 Mar, 2026
Tokyo

Stocks in Tokyo rebounded, and benchmark indexes reversed previous session's losses. 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average jumped nearly 3%, and the broader Topix index gained more than 2% as investors held out for stability in crude oil prices.

The Trump administration signaled that the U.S. military is prepared to offer support to cargo ships traversing through the narrow channel, lifting hopes that shipments to India, China, South Korea, and Japan are likely to resume in the near future. 

Brent crude oil prices decreased by 2.3% to $101.17 a barrel as the U.S. abandoned its plan to form an international coalition to secure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. 

Despite the Trump administration's claims of success in its military attacks in Iran, NATO allies pushed back on forming a coalition to provide a safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. 

Market sentiment was further boosted after Japan's exports in February rose by 4.2% from a year ago, surpassing expectations. 

Japan's Trade Surplus Shrank Amid Softer Demand from China and U.S.

Exports rose to 9.7 trillion yen, a slower than a 16.8% rise in the previous month amid softer demand from China. 

Shipments to India advanced 22.4% and to the European Union rose 14%, but fell to China by 10.9% and to the U.S. by 8% due to weakness in automobiles, auto parts, and pharmaceuticals. 

Japan's shipments to the U.S. declined to 1.75 trillion yen and declined for the third consecutive month as shipments of automobiles plunged 16.6% from a year ago, pushed down by aggressive tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.

Imports advanced 10.2% to 9.5 trillion yen, the Finance Ministry said in a preliminary report.

February's international trade balance dropped to 57.3 billion yen, or $361 million, and the increase in advanced chip exports to other Asian countries was overwhelmed by the weakness in shipments to the U.S. and China.  

The trade surplus fell sharply from 559.2 billion yen in the month a year ago as growth in imports rose faster than exports. 

The Middle East conflict this month has driven oil prices higher by 50%, which is likely to turn the international trade balance to a deficit in March and April. 

Japan Indexes and Stocks 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average soared 2.9% to 55,239.40, and the broader TOPIX Index advanced 2.5% to 3,717.41. 

Semiconductor equipment makers led gainers in Tokyo on Thursday's trading. 

SoftBank Group, Advantest Corp., Tokyo Electron, and Disco Corp. jumped between 2% and 5%. 

Nippon Yusen, Mitsui OSK Lines, and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha rose between 2% and 5%.

China Markets Inched Higher and Crude Oil Prices Stabilized at 4-Year Highs

Li Chen
18 Mar, 2026
Hong Kong

Stocks in China attempted to rebound, and crude oil prices steadied as geopolitical tensions remained elevated. 

The Hang Seng Index decreased 0.2%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index eased 0.3% as investors held out for the resumption of energy products shipments through the critical waterway in the Middle East.

Brent crude oil prices decreased by 2.3% to $101.17 a barrel as the U.S. abandoned its plan to form an international coalition to secure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. 

The Trump administration signaled that the U.S. military is prepared to offer support to cargo ships traversing through the narrow channel, lifting hopes that shipments to India, China, South Korea, and Japan are likely to resume in the near future. 

China Indexes and Stocks 

The Hang Seng Index decreased 0.2% to 25,825.08, and the CSI 300 Index fell 0.3% to 4,621.95. 

Tech stocks eased following a two-day rebound, as investors shifted their attention to financial and resource stocks. 

BYD, Nongfu Spring, Haidilao, SMIC, and Xiaomi closed mixed amid volatile trading.

Tencent Holdings, Alibaba Group, and Baidu decreased between 0.3% and 0.8%. 

China Markets Inched Higher and Crude Oil Prices Stabilized at 4-Yea

Li Chen
18 Mar, 2026
Hong Kong

Stocks in China attempted to rebound, and crude oil prices steadied as geopolitical tensions remained elevated. 

The Hang Seng Index decreased 0.2%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index eased 0.3% as investors held out for the resumption of energy products shipments through the critical waterway in the Middle East.

Brent crude oil prices decreased by 2.3% to $101.17 a barrel as the U.S. abandoned its plan to form an international coalition to secure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. 

The Trump administration signaled that the U.S. military is prepared to offer support to cargo ships traversing through the narrow channel, lifting hopes that shipments to India, China, South Korea, and Japan are likely to resume in the near future. 

China Indexes and Stocks 

The Hang Seng Index decreased 0.2% to 25,825.08, and the CSI 300 Index fell 0.3% to 4,621.95. 

Tech stocks eased following a two-day rebound, as investors shifted their attention to financial and resource stocks. 

BYD, Nongfu Spring, Haidilao, SMIC, and Xiaomi closed mixed amid volatile trading.

Tencent Holdings, Alibaba Group, and Baidu decreased between 0.3% and 0.8%. 

Volatile Crude Oil Prices Rebound Amid Uncertainty Over Hormuz Shipping Resumption

Barry Adams
17 Mar, 2026
New York City

U.S. stocks lost ground after the volatile crude oil prices reversed the previous session's decline amid the uncertainty over the formation of a U.S.-led international coalition to escort oil tankers in the Middle East. 

The S&P 500 Index decreased 0.4%, the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite eased 0.6%, and crude oil prices rose as much as 4%. 

Crude oil prices in New York advanced 2.8% to $96.15 a barrel, and the Brent crude oil prices in London rose 2.9% to $102.25 a barrel as tensions remained high in the Strait of Hormuz. 

European nations and NATO members showed little urgency in participating in the U.S.-led coalition to protect shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. 

Israel's unprovoked war on Iran, supported by the U.S., is approaching the end of its third week and has engulfed at least fifteen neighboring nations. 

Moreover, Trump's false promises of ending the war and "achieving military objectives" in less than a week are wreaking havoc on passenger and cargo travel through the regions, roiling the global economy, and stoking worldwide inflation.

With the 60% jump in oil prices, the U.S.-Israel war is now stoking food inflation over 10% and adding 65 cents a gallon to retail prices of gasoline at U.S. gas stations. 

Moreover, retail petrol prices in Japan, South Korea, India, and Europe have jumped between 8% and 25%.

U.S. Movers 

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%.