Ceasefire Announcement Supports Market Gains U.S. equity markets continued their rebound, posting back to back weekly gains between 3% and 5%. The S&P 500 recovered approximately 7% over the past two weeks, while the Nasdaq gained around 9%, reversing much of the decline seen earlier in March.

Stocks Recover After Extended Decline U.S. equity markets rebounded last week, snapping a five-week losing streak. The S&P 500 gained 2.9%, the Nasdaq rose 3.8%, and the Dow added 2.5%. The rally followed early optimism around potential de-escalation in geopolitical tensions, which helped drive the largest single-day gains since last

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.