Market Update
U.S. Movers: AeroVironment, Oracle Corp.
Scott Peters
11 Mar, 2026
New York City
AeroVironment, Inc. dropped 11% to $198.20 after the company reported its financial results.
Revenue in the fiscal third quarter ending in January soared to $408 million from $167.6 million; net loss expanded to $156.6 million from $1.8 million; and diluted loss per share jumped to $3.15 from 6 cents a year ago.
The drone maker booked $2.1 billion of new orders in the quarter, increasing its funded backlog to $1.1 billion and driving its book-to-bill ratio to 1.6 for the first nine months of the fiscal year.
The current quarter was negatively impacted by goodwill impairment charges of $151.3 million, or $2.95 per diluted share, and $43.9 million, or $0.70 per diluted share, of intangible amortization and other related non-cash purchase accounting expenses as compared to $4.8 million, or $0.13 per diluted share, in the third quarter of fiscal 2025, the company noted in an announcement to investors.
Oracle Corp. jumped 9.5% to $163.69, and the cloud infrastructure company reported better-than-expected fiscal third-quarter results.
Total revenue in the quarter ending in February increased 22% to $17.2 billion, net income advanced to $3.7 billion from $2.9 billion, and diluted earnings per share rose to $1.27 from $1.02 a year ago.
Cloud segment revenue rose 44% to $8.9 billion, and cloud infrastructure revenue soared 84% to $4.9 billion from a year ago, respectively.
"Remaining Performance Obligations, or RPO, ended the quarter at $553 billion, up 325% from last year and up $29 billion from last quarter.
Most of the increase in RPO in Q3 related to large-scale AI contracts where Oracle does not expect to have to raise any incremental funds to support these contracts, as most of the equipment needed is either funded upfront via customer prepayments so Oracle can purchase the GPUs or the customer buys the GPUs and supplies them to Oracle," the company noted in a statement released to investors.
The company estimated fiscal fourth quarter revenue to rise between 18% and 20% and fiscal 2026 revenue of $67 billion and capital expenditures of $50 billion, unchanged from the previous guidance.
U.S. and World Stocks Meandered as Crude Oil Prices Retained Upward Bias
Barry Adams
11 Mar, 2026
New York City
Stocks on Wall Street lacked direction as investors reviewed the latest developments in the Middle East.
The S&P 500 Index and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite bounced around the flatline, and the joint U.S. and Israeli war on Iran showed no signs of abating.
The White House claimed that the U.S. destroyed several Iranian ships, including 16 minelayers, in the Strait of Hormuz and added that the energy products will soon begin transiting through the Strait of Hormuz.
The International Energy Agency, a consortium of nations in North America and Europe, is looking to release crude oil from its reserves, which could dampen crude oil prices.
The agency's potential historic release of reserves may temporarily lower crude oil prices by $5 a barrel, but in the near term prices are likely to stay above $90 a barrel as Iran continues to successfully target the oil infrastructure of neighboring nations.
Crude oil prices in New York advanced 2.5% to $85.60 a barrel, confirming uncertainty surrounding the resumption of energy product shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
Analysts are estimating crude oil prices to surpass $100 a barrel in New York if the conflict extends to the third week.
On the economic front, the annual consumer price inflation in February advanced 2.4%, matching the increase in January and remaining at its lowest level since May 2025.
Meanwhile core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, stayed unchanged at 2.5%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
U.S. Movers
AeroVironment, Inc. dropped 11% to $198.20 after the company reported its financial results.
Revenue in the fiscal third quarter ending in January soared to $408 million from $167.6 million; net loss expanded to $156.6 million from $1.8 million; and diluted loss per share jumped to $3.15 from 6 cents a year ago.
The drone maker booked $2.1 billion of new orders in the quarter, increasing its funded backlog to $1.1 billion and driving its book-to-bill ratio to 1.6 for the first nine months of the fiscal year.
The current quarter was negatively impacted by goodwill impairment charges of $151.3 million, or $2.95 per diluted share, and $43.9 million, or $0.70 per diluted share, of intangible amortization and other related non-cash purchase accounting expenses as compared to $4.8 million, or $0.13 per diluted share, in the third quarter of fiscal 2025, the company noted in an announcement to investors.
Oracle Corp. jumped 9.5% to $163.69, and the cloud infrastructure company reported better-than-expected fiscal third-quarter results.
Total revenue in the quarter ending in February increased 22% to $17.2 billion, net income advanced to $3.7 billion from $2.9 billion, and diluted earnings per share rose to $1.27 from $1.02 a year ago.
Cloud segment revenue rose 44% to $8.9 billion, and cloud infrastructure revenue soared 84% to $4.9 billion from a year ago, respectively.
"Remaining Performance Obligations, or RPO, ended the quarter at $553 billion, up 325% from last year and up $29 billion from last quarter.
Most of the increase in RPO in Q3 related to large-scale AI contracts where Oracle does not expect to have to raise any incremental funds to support these contracts, as most of the equipment needed is either funded upfront via customer prepayments so Oracle can purchase the GPUs or the customer buys the GPUs and supplies them to Oracle," the company noted in a statement released to investors.
The company estimated fiscal fourth quarter revenue to rise between 18% and 20% and fiscal 2026 revenue of $67 billion and capital expenditures of $50 billion, unchanged from the previous guidance.
U.S. and World Stocks Meandered as Crude Oil Prices Retained Upward Bias
Barry Adams
11 Mar, 2026
New York City
Stocks on Wall Street lacked direction as investors reviewed the latest developments in the Middle East.
The S&P 500 Index and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite bounced around the flatline, and the joint U.S. and Israeli war on Iran showed no signs of abating.
The White House claimed that the U.S. destroyed several Iranian ships, including 16 minelayers, in the Strait of Hormuz and added that the energy products will soon begin transiting through the Strait of Hormuz.
The International Energy Agency, a consortium of nations in North America and Europe, is looking to release crude oil from its reserves, which could dampen crude oil prices.
The agency's potential historic release of reserves may temporarily lower crude oil prices by $5 a barrel, but in the near term prices are likely to stay above $90 a barrel as Iran continues to successfully target the oil infrastructure of neighboring nations.
Crude oil prices in New York advanced 2.5% to $85.60 a barrel, confirming uncertainty surrounding the resumption of energy product shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
Analysts are estimating crude oil prices to surpass $100 a barrel in New York if the conflict extends to the third week.
On the economic front, the annual consumer price inflation in February likely advanced 2.4%, matching the increase in January and remaining at its lowest level since May 2025.
Meanwhile core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, is likely to stay unchanged at 2.5%.
U.S. Movers
AeroVironment, Inc. dropped 11% to $198.20 after the company reported its financial results.
Revenue in the fiscal third quarter ending in January soared to $408 million from $167.6 million; net loss expanded to $156.6 million from $1.8 million; and diluted loss per share jumped to $3.15 from 6 cents a year ago.
The drone maker booked $2.1 billion of new orders in the quarter, increasing its funded backlog to $1.1 billion and driving its book-to-bill ratio to 1.6 for the first nine months of the fiscal year.
The current quarter was negatively impacted by goodwill impairment charges of $151.3 million, or $2.95 per diluted share, and $43.9 million, or $0.70 per diluted share, of intangible amortization and other related non-cash purchase accounting expenses as compared to $4.8 million, or $0.13 per diluted share, in the third quarter of fiscal 2025, the company noted in an announcement to investors.
Oracle Corp. jumped 9.5% to $163.69, and the cloud infrastructure company reported better-than-expected fiscal third-quarter results.
Total revenue in the quarter ending in February increased 22% to $17.2 billion, net income advanced to $3.7 billion from $2.9 billion, and diluted earnings per share rose to $1.27 from $1.02 a year ago.
Cloud segment revenue rose 44% to $8.9 billion, and cloud infrastructure revenue soared 84% to $4.9 billion from a year ago, respectively.
"Remaining Performance Obligations, or RPO, ended the quarter at $553 billion, up 325% from last year and up $29 billion from last quarter.
Most of the increase in RPO in Q3 related to large-scale AI contracts where Oracle does not expect to have to raise any incremental funds to support these contracts, as most of the equipment needed is either funded upfront via customer prepayments so Oracle can purchase the GPUs or the customer buys the GPUs and supplies them to Oracle," the company noted in a statement released to investors.
The company estimated fiscal fourth quarter revenue to rise between 18% and 20% and fiscal 2026 revenue of $67 billion and capital expenditures of $50 billion, unchanged from the previous guidance.
China Indexes Lacked Direction Amid Ongoing Middle East Uncertainties
Li Chen
11 Mar, 2026
Hong Kong
Stocks in China attempted to rebound amid receding fears of global crude oil supply disruptions.
The Hang Seng Index edged up 0.1%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index inched higher 0.5%.
Market sentiment recovered but remained fragile as investors hoped that the U.S. would provide safe passage to crude oil and natural gas products through the Strait of Hormuz in the immediate future.
Brent crude oil prices hovered at $87.46 a barrel, despite the IEA proposing the largest release of coordinated oil reserves in their history.
Across Asia, benchmark indexes rebounded in Japan and South Korea amid recovering sentiment and a potential resumption of energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz.
China Indexes and Stocks
The Hang Seng Index added 0.1% to 25,981.77, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index increased 0.5% to 4,698.45.
Contemporary Amperex Technology jumped 6.8% to HK $587.50 after the company reported a 42% rise in annual profit in 2025.
China Indexes Lacked Direction Amid Ongoing Middle East Uncertainties
Li Chen
11 Mar, 2026
Hong Kong
Stocks in China attempted to rebound amid receding fears of global crude oil supply disruptions.
The Hang Seng Index edged up 0.1%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index inched higher 0.5%.
Market sentiment recovered but remained fragile as investors hoped that the U.S. would provide safe passage to crude oil and natural gas products through the Strait of Hormuz in the immediate future.
Brent crude oil prices hovered at $87.46 a barrel, despite the IEA proposing the largest release of coordinated oil reserves in their history.
Across Asia, benchmark indexes rebounded in Japan and South Korea amid recovering sentiment and a potential resumption of energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz.
China Indexes and Stocks
The Hang Seng Index added 0.1% to 25,981.77, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index increased 0.5% to 4,698.45.
Contemporary Amperex Technology jumped 6.8% to HK $587.50 after the company reported a 42% rise in annual profit in 2025.
U.S. Stocks Attempted to Rebound, Volatile Crude Oil Plunged 10%
Barry Adams
10 Mar, 2026
New York City
Stocks traded sideways as investors looked to news from Iran after a wild session in the oil market.
The S&P 500 Index decreased 0.1%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite declined 0.2% on speculation that the flow of oil and gas is likely to resume through the Strait of Hormuz.
The U.S. president signaled that the U.S. may end its missile strikes at targets in Iran, claiming that the U.S. objectives in Iran were "pretty well achieved."
The sharp jump in crude oil prices and extreme pressure from allies in the Middle East and Europe appear to have forced Donald Trump to back down from continuing the latest military strikes in Iran.
Despite Trump's claims, investors remained skeptical about the intentions of the U.S. and Israel.
Trump's claims of "achieving goals" were quickly countered by top leaders of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, stating that Iran will decide when to "end the war."
For now, crude oil prices dropped 11.2% to $83.70 a barrel, and gold prices advanced 1.3% to $5206.74 an ounce.
U.S. Movers
Vail Resorts declined 2.1% to $131.11 after the company reported weaker-than-expected quarterly results.
The company also lowered its outlook and blamed it on "persistent, historically challenging weather conditions in the Rockies."
U.S. Stocks Attempted to Rebound, Volatile Crude Oil Plunged 10%
Barry Adams
10 Mar, 2026
New York City
Stocks traded sideways as investors looked to news from Iran after a wild session in the oil market.
The S&P 500 Index decreased 0.1%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite declined 0.2% on speculation that the flow of oil and gas is likely to resume through the Strait of Hormuz.
The U.S. president signaled that the U.S. may end its missile strikes at targets in Iran, claiming that the U.S. objectives in Iran were "pretty well achieved."
The sharp jump in crude oil prices and extreme pressure from allies in the Middle East and Europe appear to have forced Donald Trump to back down from continuing the latest military strikes in Iran.
Despite Trump's claims, investors remained skeptical about the intentions of the U.S. and Israel.
Trump's claims of "achieving goals" were quickly countered by top leaders of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, stating that Iran will decide when to "end the war."
For now, crude oil prices dropped 11.2% to $83.70 a barrel, and gold prices advanced 1.3% to $5206.74 an ounce.
U.S. Movers
Vail Resorts declined 2.1% to $131.11 after the company reported weaker-than-expected quarterly results.
The company also lowered its outlook and blamed it on "persistent, historically challenging weather conditions in the Rockies."
NY TUESDAY
Barry Adams
10 Mar, 2026
New York City
Stocks traded sideways as investors looked to news from Iran after a wild session in oil market.
The S&P 500 Index decreased 0.1%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite declined 0.2% on a speculation that flow of oil and gas is likely to resume through the Strait of Hormuz.
The U.S. president signaled that the U.S. may end its missile strikes at targets in Iran, claiming that the U.S. objectives in Iran were "pretty well achieved."
The sharp jump in crude oil prices and extreme pressure from allies in the Middle East and Europe appear to have forced Donald Trump from backing down from continuing the latest military strikes in Iran.
Despite Trump's claims, investors remained skeptical about the intentions of the U.S. and Israel.
Trump's claims of "achieving goals" were quickly countered by top leaders of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, stating that Iran will decide when to "end the war."
For now, Brent crude oil prices dropped 5.2% to $93.70 a barrel, and gold prices advanced 0.7% to $176.74 an ounce.
U.S. Movers
Vail Resorts declined 2.1% to $131.11 after the company reported weaker-than-expected quarterly results.
The company also lowered its outlook, and blamed it on "persistent, historically challenging weather conditions in the Rockies."
Japan and Asia Markets Rebounded Amid Potential Easing of Tensions In Middle East
Akira Ito
10 Mar, 2026
Tokyo
Japan's stocks rebounded, and crude oil regained previous session's losses amid a recovery in market sentiment.
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average soared nearly 3%, the broader Topix advanced more than 2%, and the yen stabilized at 157.05 against the U.S. dollar.
Stocks in Tokyo and Asia rebounded amid expectations of easing tensions in the Middle East.
The U.S. president signaled that the U.S. may end its missile strikes at targets in Iran, claiming that the U.S. objectives in Iran were "pretty well achieved."
The sharp jump in crude oil prices and extreme pressure from allies in the Middle East and Europe appear to have forced Donald Trump from backing down from continuing the latest military strikes in Iran.
Despite Trump's claims, investors remained skeptical about the intentions of the U.S. and Israel.
Brent crude oil prices dropped 5.2% to $93.70 a barrel, and gold prices advanced 0.7% to $176.74 an ounce.
Japan's fourth-quarter annual GDP growth was revised higher to 0.3% from the initial estimate of 0.1%.
The Cabinet Office upwardly revised economic growth, following a 0.7% contraction in the third quarter, amid upward revisions to business investment, government spending, and private consumption.
Japan Indexes and Stocks
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average gained 2.9% to 54,248.39, and the broader TOPIX Index advanced 2.2% to 3,652.56.
In Tokyo's trading, tech stocks led the rebound, and large banks and financial services providers and defense-related stocks participated in the market rally.
Tokyo Electron, Advantest Corp., Lasertec, and SoftBank Group gained between 5% and 14%.
Nippon Yusen KK increased 0.6% to ¥5,592.0; Mitsui O.S.K. Lines edged up 0.6% to ¥6,001.0; and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha gained 1.4% to ¥2,613.0.
Japan and Asia Markets Rebounded Amid Potential Easing of Tensions In Middle East
Akira Ito
10 Mar, 2026
Tokyo
Japan's stocks rebounded, and crude oil regained previous session's losses amid a recovery in market sentiment.
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average soared nearly 3%, the broader Topix advanced more than 2%, and the yen stabilized at 157.05 against the U.S. dollar.
Stocks in Tokyo and Asia rebounded amid expectations of easing tensions in the Middle East.
The U.S. president signaled that the U.S. may end its missile strikes at targets in Iran, claiming that the U.S. objectives in Iran were "pretty well achieved."
The sharp jump in crude oil prices and extreme pressure from allies in the Middle East and Europe appear to have forced Donald Trump from backing down from continuing the latest military strikes in Iran.
Despite Trump's claims, investors remained skeptical about the intentions of the U.S. and Israel.
Brent crude oil prices dropped 5.2% to $93.70 a barrel, and gold prices advanced 0.7% to $176.74 an ounce.
Japan's fourth-quarter annual GDP growth was revised higher to 0.3% from the initial estimate of 0.1%.
The Cabinet Office upwardly revised economic growth, following a 0.7% contraction in the third quarter, amid upward revisions to business investment, government spending, and private consumption.
Japan Indexes and Stocks
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average gained 2.9% to 54,248.39, and the broader TOPIX Index advanced 2.2% to 3,652.56.
In Tokyo's trading, tech stocks led the rebound, and large banks and financial services providers and defense-related stocks participated in the market rally.
Tokyo Electron, Advantest Corp., Lasertec, and SoftBank Group gained between 5% and 14%.
Nippon Yusen KK increased 0.6% to ¥5,592.0; Mitsui O.S.K. Lines edged up 0.6% to ¥6,001.0; and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha gained 1.4% to ¥2,613.0.
China's Trade Surplus Soared In Jan-Feb Period, Stocks Rebounded
Li Chen
10 Mar, 2026
Hong Kong
Benchmark indexes in China and Hong Kong rebounded amid expectations that the conflict in the Middle East is likely to de-escalate in the immediate future.
The Hang Seng Index increased 1.6%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index gained 1% after crude oil prices eased.
The U.S. president signaled that the U.S. may end its missile strikes at targets in Iran, claiming that the U.S. objectives in Iran were "pretty well achieved."
The sharp jump in crude oil prices and extreme pressure from allies in the Middle East and Europe appear to have forced Donald Trump from backing down in continuing the latest military strikes in Iran.
Brent crude oil prices dropped 6% to $92.47 a barrel, and gold prices advanced 0.6% to $5173.34 an ounce.
China's Trade Surplus Soared Amid Sustained Growth in Exports
China's exports in the first two months of 2026 soared, driven by strong shipments to member nations in the ASEAN region and the European Union.
China reports two months of data to smooth out distortions due to the Lunar New Year calendar shift.
China's goods exports soared 21.8% from a year ago in the Jan-Feb period to $656.7 billion, according to the General Customs Administration.
The surge in global demand for Chinese renewable energy products and electric vehicles accelerated the increase from a 6% gain in December.
Imports for the two-month period rose by 19.8% from a year ago to $442.9 billion, compared to a 5.7% increase in December.
Exports to the European Union soared 27.8% and to the ASEAN region advanced 29.4%, but shipments to the U.S. fell 11% from a year ago, respectively.
The continued demand for electrical products, home goods, and solar panels drove higher shipments to Africa by 50% and Latin America by 16.4%.
The international trade surplus rose to $213.6 billion in the two-month period, compared to $169 billion a year ago.
China Indexes and Stocks
The Hang Seng Index added 1.6% to 25,804.70, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index advanced 1% to 4,665.57.
Contemporary Amperex Technology soared 9.2% to HK $549.50 after the battery maker reported its latest financial results.
The company reported a 42% jump in annual profit in 2025, driven by strong battery sales and expansion into energy storage devices.
China's Trade Surplus Soared In Jan-Feb Period, Stocks Rebounded
Li Chen
10 Mar, 2026
Hong Kong
Benchmark indexes in China and Hong Kong rebounded amid expectations that the conflict in the Middle East is likely to de-escalate in the immediate future.
The Hang Seng Index increased 1.6%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index gained 1% after crude oil prices eased.
The U.S. president signaled that the U.S. may end its missile strikes at targets in Iran, claiming that the U.S. objectives in Iran were "pretty well achieved."
The sharp jump in crude oil prices and extreme pressure from allies in the Middle East and Europe appear to have forced Donald Trump from backing down in continuing the latest military strikes in Iran.
Brent crude oil prices dropped 6% to $92.47 a barrel, and gold prices advanced 0.6% to $517.34 an ounce.
China's Trade Surplus Soared Amid Sustained Growth in Exports
China's exports in the first two months of 2026 soared, driven by strong shipments to member nations in the ASEAN region and the European Union.
China reports two months of data to smooth out distortions due to the Lunar New Year calendar shift.
China's goods exports soared 21.8% from a year ago in the Jan-Feb period to $656.7 billion, according to the General Customs Administration.
The surge in global demand for Chinese renewable energy products and electric vehicles accelerated the increase from a 6% gain in December.
Imports for the two-month period rose by 19.8% from a year ago to $442.9 billion, compared to a 5.7% increase in December.
Exports to the European Union soared 27.8% and to the ASEAN region advanced 29.4%, but shipments to the U.S. fell 11% from a year ago, respectively.
The continued demand for electrical products, home goods, and solar panels drove higher shipments to Africa by 50% and Latin America by 16.4%.
The international trade surplus rose to $213.6 billion in the two-month period, compared to $169 billion a year ago.
China Indexes and Stocks
The Hang Seng Index added 1.6% to 25,804.70, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index advanced 1% to 4,665.57.
Contemporary Amperex Technology soared 9.2% to HK $549.50 after the battery maker reported its latest financial results.
The company reported a 42% jump in annual profit in 2025, driven by strong battery sales and expansion into energy storage devices.
Sharp Jump In Crude Oil Prices Raised Stagflation Fears
Barry Adams
09 Mar, 2026
New York City
Stocks on Wall Street faced additional headwinds amid rising tensions in the Middle East.
The S&P 500 index dropped 1.2%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite decreased 1.5% as crude oil prices surged to a four-year high at the onset of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The U.S. economy is likely to face a stagflation environment of rising inflation and slowing growth, as the oil prices surpassed the breaking point of $100 a barrel.
West Texas Intermediate Crude jumped 13% to $112.05 a barrel amid worries of a prolonged supply disruption in the Middle East.
Brent and Texas crude oil prices jumped nearly 70% since Israel struck Iran on February 28. Over the weekend, Israel struck Iran's oil infrastructure, raising fears of global supply disruptions.
Moreover, Iraq, Kuwait, the UAE, and Qatar curtailed energy production over the weekend, as the strait remained closed for the fifth day in a row amid rapidly escalating conflict in the region.
At least fifteen nations in the Middle East are involved in the U.S. and Israel's war, which has killed more than 1,200 people in Iran, including at least 165 school children.
The U.S. president walked back from his earlier assertions that an Iran war will be over in less than a couple of days, and investors are increasingly factoring in a prolonged and wider war in the Middle East.
As the Asian nations brace for a sharp rise in inflation, fueled by a jump in inflation, the European Union member states are worried about another spike in energy prices and a new wave of refugees.
The yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury note advanced to 4.2%, reaching a one-month high amid worries of elevated inflation driven by higher crude oil prices.
The yields turned higher despite the U.S. economy in January shedding 92,000 jobs, according to a monthly update released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The change in December employment was revised downward by 65,000 from an increase of 48,000 to a decrease of 17,000, and January's change was downwardly revised by 4,000 from 130,000 to 126,000.
The job market appears to be weakening rapidly as employers avoid increasing staff and laying off people as the U.S. economy struggles to adjust to uncertainty injected by higher tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.
Sharp Jump In Crude Oil Prices Raised Stagflation Fears
Barry Adams
09 Mar, 2026
New York City
Stocks on Wall Street faced additional headwinds amid rising tensions in the Middle East.
The S&P 500 index dropped 1.2%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite decreased 1.5% as crude oil prices surged to a four-year high at the onset of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The U.S. economy is likely to face a stagflation environment of rising inflation and slowing growth, as the oil prices surpassed the breaking point of $100 a barrel.
West Texas Intermediate Crude jumped 13% to $112.05 a barrel amid worries of a prolonged supply disruption in the Middle East.
Brent and Texas crude oil prices jumped nearly 70% since Israel struck Iran on February 28. Over the weekend, Israel struck Iran's oil infrastructure, raising fears of global supply disruptions.
Moreover, Iraq, Kuwait, the UAE, and Qatar curtailed energy production over the weekend, as the strait remained closed for the fifth day in a row amid rapidly escalating conflict in the region.
At least fifteen nations in the Middle East are involved in the U.S. and Israel's war, which has killed more than 1,200 people in Iran, including at least 165 school children.
The U.S. president walked back from his earlier assertions that an Iran war will be over in less than a couple of days, and investors are increasingly factoring in a prolonged and wider war in the Middle East.
As the Asian nations brace for a sharp rise in inflation, fueled by a jump in inflation, the European Union member states are worried about another spike in energy prices and a new wave of refugees.
The yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury note advanced to 4.2%, reaching a one-month high amid worries of elevated inflation driven by higher crude oil prices.
The yields turned higher despite the U.S. economy in January shedding 92,000 jobs, according to a monthly update released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The change in December employment was revised downward by 65,000 from an increase of 48,000 to a decrease of 17,000, and January's change was downwardly revised by 4,000 from 130,000 to 126,000.
The job market appears to be weakening rapidly as employers avoid increasing staff and laying off people as the U.S. economy struggles to adjust to uncertainty injected by higher tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.
Japan's Indexes Plunged 6% as Crude Oil Prices Spiked On Widening Crisis In Middle East
Akira Ito
09 Mar, 2026
Tokyo
Stocks in Tokyo plunged on Monday amid worries of rising economic stress as the U.S.'s and Israel's war on Iran pushed crude oil prices to a four-year high.
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average plunged nearly 7%, and the broader Topix decreased 5.2% after Brent crude oil prices soared 27% to $116.83 a barrel.
Japan relies on about 95% of its energy products from the suppliers in the Middle East, and about 70% pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
Brent crude oil prices jumped nearly 70% since Israel struck Iran on February 28. Over the weekend, Israel struck Iran's oil infrastructure, raising fears of global supply disruptions.
Moreover, Iraq, Kuwait, the UAE, and Qatar curtailed energy production over the weekend, as the strait remained closed for the fifth day in a row amid rapidly escalating conflict in the region.
At least fifteen nations in the Middle East are involved in the U.S. and Israel's war, which has killed more than 1,200 people in Iran, including at least 165 school children.
The U.S. president walked back from his earlier assertions that an Iran war will be over in less than a couple of days, and investors are increasingly factoring a prolonged and a wider war in the Middle East.
As the Asian nations brace for a sharp rise in inflation, fueled by a jump in inflation, the European Union member states are worried about another spike in energy prices and a new wave of refugees.
Japan Indexes and Stocks
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average decreased 6.7% to 51,853.93, and the broader Topix Index fell 5.2% to 3,524.24.
Technology stocks led the sharp decline in Tokyo on Monday, as crude oil prices soared to a four-year high.
SoftBank Group, Kioxia Holdings, Advantest Corp., Fujikura, and Lasertec dropped as much as 11%.
Toyota Motor Corp. fell 1.5%, Honda Motor Corp. declined 5.2%, and Nissan Motor dropped 6%.
Nippon Yusen, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha declined between 0.5% and 1.5%.