Market Updates
Middle East Conflict Adds Another Layer of Uncertainty for Investors and Central Banks
Barry Adams
04 Mar, 2026
New York City
U.S. stocks extended their losses for the third day this week as investors weighed the impact of higher oil prices on the U.S. economy and future monetary policy outcomes.
The S&P 500 index decreased 0.4%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite declined 0.5% as war in the Middle East intensified.
Crude oil prices hovered near $75 a barrel, and natural gas prices traded around $3 per MMBtu as the U.S., Israel, and Iran exchanged air attacks.
Gold futures prices rose 2% to $5,197 an ounce and extended a three-day increase to 10% as the U.S.-Iran conflict entered its fifth day and the outcome remained uncertain.
Iran stepped up retaliatory strikes and directed its drone and missile attacks to neighboring nations, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar.
The rapidly shifting military situation in Iran and the Middle East roiled markets as far as in India, Japan, China, and South Korea.
Benchmark indexes in Seoul plunged 12%, in Tokyo dropped 4%, in Hong Kong fell 2%, and in Mumbai eased 1.4%.
Market indexes in Europe attempted to rebound between 1% and 2% and reversed the two-day decline of as much as 5%.
U.S. Movers
Ahead of earnings results later today, Abercrombie & Fitch advanced 4%, Okta inched higher 0.4%, and Broadcom Inc. edged up 1.3%.
ConocoPhillips, Chevron, and Exxon Mobil declined around 1% amid worries that the U.S. energy companies' oil fields and assets could be vulnerable in the Middle East.
Annual Returns
| Company | Ticker | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 |
|---|
Earnings
| Company | Ticker | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 |
|---|