Latest Finance-Economy News
Crude Oil Prices Surge to Multi-Year Highs Amid Iran Conflict
Crude oil marked its biggest weekly surge since 2022, with Brent crude rising 10-13% to around $80-82 per barrel by March 2, 2026, driven by the escalating US-Iran war and Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz disrupting approximately 20% of global oil supplies. Analysts forecast prices could reach $100 per barrel if disruptions persist, potentially adding 0.8% to global inflation
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Asia-Pacific Stock Markets Suffer Major Declines
Stock indices across Asia-Pacific experienced significant losses, with Japan's Nikkei declining 5.5%, India's blue chip index falling nearly 3%, and China's stocks ending marginally in the red. South Korea's KOSPI suffered its biggest crash since 2008, dropping up to 12% in a single day and triggering a circuit breaker
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European Markets Face Steep Losses
UK benchmarks experienced a near 6% slump marking the lowest hit in the region, while German and French benchmarks slumped well over 6.5%, and South Africa's index crashed the most with over a 9% fall.
Wall Street Marks Worst Week Since November
US stocks slumped to their worst week since November, with the S&P 500 down over 1% on Friday, reflecting concerns about the economic impact of the Iran war.
Critical US Inflation Data Expected This Week
The US Consumer Price Index (CPI) y/y is forecast at 2.2% (down from 2.4% previously) with Core CPI m/m forecast at 0.2% (down from 0.3%), scheduled for March 11 at 12:30 UTC. This data remains the most market-moving release globally and will significantly impact USD pairs, Treasury yields, and equity markets as traders reassess Federal Reserve rate cut expectations
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Eurozone Inflation Data to Shape ECB Policy Decisions
Eurozone CPI year-over-year is expected at 1.9% (matching previous levels) on March 11 at 07:00 UTC. Even slight deviations from expectations can trigger sharp moves in EUR/USD and European equity indices as inflation continues to hover near the ECB's target
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US Initial Jobless Claims to Indicate Labor Market Health
Initial jobless claims are forecast at 221K compared to the previous 213K on March 12 at 12:30 UTC. Labor market data is critical to the Fed's dual mandate, and notable deviations can shift interest rate expectations and impact USD strength and risk appetite
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Federal Reserve's Preferred Inflation Gauge Coming March 13
The Core PCE Price Index year-over-year is forecast at 2.8% down from 3.0% previously on March 13 at 12:30 UTC. This release often triggers substantial portfolio rebalancing as it directly informs the Fed's assessment of price stability
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China Sets Growth Target at Lowest Level Since 1991
Reflecting economic concerns amid geopolitical tensions, Beijing set its growth target at its lowest level since 1991 during the two sessions meeting.
Stagflation Risks Rise as Energy Costs and Inflation Surge
Big Wall Street banks caution that stagflation risks are on the rise amid higher-than-expected factory prices and surging energy costs from the Iran conflict. Additionally, job growth in the US has stalled with some indicators flashing recessionary signals, creating a clouded macro outlook
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Energy Markets Face Extended Disruptions from Iran Crisis
QatarEnergy declared Force Majeure on its contracts with buyers and announced plans to shut down gas liquefaction, with analysts warning that if the war continues, other Gulf energy producers may be forced to halt exports. This unprecedented disruption threatens global energy supplies and economic stability
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