Geopolitical Tensions Drive Market Pressure Markets extended their recent downturn, marking a fifth consecutive week of declines as conflict in the Middle East showed little sign of near term resolution. Elevated oil prices have become a central driver of both market sentiment and inflation expectations.

“Markets struggle under growing pressure.” As of mid March 2026, markets are navigating a mix of geopolitical tension, rising energy prices, and evolving monetary policy expectations. The latest Market Monitor from Alphastar Capital Management highlights how these factors are contributing to recent volatility while longer-term economic trends remain in focus.

Conflict Escalation Drives Market Volatility Geopolitical developments moved to the forefront of investor attention last week after a targeted strike killed Iran’s leader of four decades, triggering retaliation across the Middle East. The escalation introduced a significant risk premium to global markets as investors assessed the potential for a prolonged

Supreme Court Decision Lifts Market Sentiment U.S. equity markets posted a welcome recovery last week. The S&P 500 rose 1.1%, the Nasdaq gained 1.5%, and the Dow increased 0.3%, ending a five-week losing streak.

Volatility in Tech Weighs on Indexes Major U.S. equity indexes declined between 1% and 2% last week, marking the S&P 500’s fourth negative week in the past five. Mega-cap technology stocks remained under pressure, with the Magnificent 7 falling 2% and now down nearly 7% year to date.

Stocks Gain, But Rotation Takes Shape Equities posted gains last week, though performance varied across indices. The S&P 500 rose 1.4%, the NASDAQ added 1.1%, and the Dow slipped 0.2%. Despite divergence in large-cap components, January ended with a 1.6% gain for the S&P 500.