S&P 500 at 6,632 and Nikkei down 3.24% on the week — the Iran conflict has produced a measurable geographic sorting: energy import dependence now drives market performance more than sector rotation.
S&P 500 at 6,632, Nikkei -3.24% on the week, German factory orders -11.1% MoM — the Iran conflict has sorted global markets by energy import dependency.
Global equity funds shed $7.05bn — worst week since December — as the Iran oil shock pushed investors into money markets, short-term bonds, and industrial sector funds.
S&P 500 fell to a YTD low of 6,672 as the Iran oil shock delivered the steepest global equity drawdown since COVID — Nifty –1.3%, Nikkei –1.2%, KOSPI –11% at trough.
Brent settled at $100.46/bbl — highest since August 2022 — as Iran's new leader vowed to keep the Strait of Hormuz shut, sending global equities down 1.5% and yields climbing.
Brent holds above $92 as Hormuz stays disrupted. KOSPI -12.2%, Germany -8%, Thailand -10.7% — while Saudi Arabia gains 2.5% and Norway 1.1% on windfall energy revenues.
EUR/USD slips to 1.1567 as Brent retakes $91.94 and Iran's Hormuz threat keeps energy import pressure on Europe, while the yen adds 0.50% on safe-haven demand.
Brent hit $115.20/barrel Monday before retreating to $99 on ceasefire signals. Stagflation fears deepen as US fuel prices average $3.44/gal and Nikkei falls 6%.
The Federal Reserve holds at 3.50–3.75% as Brent tops $91. ECB projections due March 19 must navigate a 0.4–0.5pp inflation impact; BOJ weighs pausing its rate-hike cycle.
Gold hit a record $5,400 intraday before settling the week at $5,145—an 8.4% gain, its best weekly performance since March 2020. Silver peaked at $96 as safe-haven demand surged.
Global Market Updates provides data-driven analysis of worldwide equities, commodities and energy markets, forex and currencies, and central bank policy. Our coverage is sourced from exchanges, central banks, and international economic agencies — written for readers who demand substantive market intelligence beyond the headlines.