Energy-driven inflation fears weigh on equities as investors turn defensive.
Global markets turned risk-off as oil prices surged on escalating Middle East tensions, raising fears of supply disruptions and higher inflation.
Today's Snapshot
- Nikkei 225: 55,620.84 (−3,303.30 pts, +0.79%)
- Kospi Index: 2,284.72 (−336.32 pts, –8.02%)
- Brent Crude: $92.69/bbl (+8.52%)
- Gold: $5,171.12/oz (-0.04%)
- Silver: $84.37/oz (-1.36%)
Global Markets
(A) Precious Metals
Gold: $5,171.12/oz (-0.04%) — Limited by a steady U.S. dollar and stable Treasury yields despite safe-haven demand.
Silver: $84.37/oz (-1.36%) — Fell as investors took profits; weakness tracked gold prices amid cautious sentiment.
(B) Energy
Brent Crude: $92.69/bbl (+8.52%) — Surged due to escalating Middle East conflict threatening Strait of Hormuz shipping. Iraqi production fell ~70% to 1.3 million barrels/day; Kuwait also cut output.
(C) Foreign Exchange
Dollar Index (DXY): 99.34 (-0.20%) — Remained relatively steady as investors shifted to liquid safe-haven currencies.
USD/INR: 92.30 (+0.15%) — Indian rupee weakened to a record low of 91.92 per dollar as Brent exceeded $100/bbl, pressuring import costs.
Stock Market
Korea
Kospi Index: 2,284.72 (−336.32 pts, –8.02%) — Sharp decline amid surging oil prices and geopolitical tensions.
Major Movers:
- Samsung Electronics (−8.13%) — Semiconductor exposure reduced
- SK Hynix (−9.5%) — Chipmaker concerns over weaker demand
Japan
Nikkei 225: 55,620.84 (−3,303.30 pts, +0.79%) — Sharp drop as oil prices raised energy cost concerns.
Major Movers:
- Toyota Motor (−6.2%) — Production cost concerns
- Sony Group (−5.4%) — Technology sector decline
- Inpex (+4.7%) — Energy share gains
Volatility & Positioning
VIX closed at 23.4, indicating elevated uncertainty.
What Traders Are Watching
- Oil price trajectory — Sustained prices above $110/bbl could intensify inflation pressures.
- Federal Reserve policy outlook — Energy prices may complicate rate cut expectations.
- Geopolitical developments — Middle East escalation could disrupt global supply.
“In investing, uncertainty is your friend.”
Yesterday's Market News — 06 March 2026
Global markets turned cautious as Middle East tensions pushed oil up nearly 5%, reviving inflation concerns. U.S. stocks fell, with the Dow down 1.61%, the S&P 500 −0.56%, and Nasdaq −0.26%, while the VIX rose to 23.57.
Read full recap →Sources
- Wall Street closes down as oil prices spike on Middle East conflict
- Dollar set for steepest weekly gain in a year as Iran crisis boosts haven bid
- Gold rises 1% as Middle East conflict spurs safe-haven demand
Disclaimer
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