Escalating Middle East tensions drive oil higher, lifting safe-haven demand while pressuring global equities.
Global markets turned cautious as Middle East tensions pushed Brent crude to $91.98/bbl, raising inflation concerns. Equities were mixed with the S&P 500 up 0.83%, while safe-haven demand lifted gold to $5,176/oz and the U.S. dollar strengthened, pushing USD/ZAR to 16.54 (+0.75%).
Today's Snapshot
- Nikkei 225: 55,025.37 (+4.36%)
- S&P 500: 6,781.48 (+0.83%)
- FTSE 100: 10,412.24 (-0.56%)
- Gold: $5,176.2/oz (+1.09%)
- Silver: $85.73/oz (+2.8%)
Global Markets
(A) Precious Metals
Gold: $5,176.2/oz (+1.09%)
Gold rose 1.09% on increased safe-haven demand amid geopolitical uncertainty and positioning ahead of key U.S. inflation data.
Silver: $85.73/oz (+2.8%)
Silver rose as stronger industrial demand expectations and gains in gold supported the broader precious metals market.
(B) Energy
Brent: $91.98/bbl (-11.48%)
Oil prices were affected after two fuel tankers were attacked in Iraqi waters, raising fears of supply disruptions as the Middle East conflict escalates. Iran reportedly deployed mines in the Strait of Hormuz, stranding tankers and forcing some producers to halt output as storage nears capacity. An Iranian military spokesperson warned markets to "get ready for oil to be $200 a barrel."
(C) FX
Dollar Index (DXY): 99.38 (+0.10%)
The U.S. dollar rose as higher oil prices increased inflation concerns and expectations that interest rates may stay high for longer.
USD/ZAR: 16.54 (+0.75%)
The South African rand saw changes in value as rising oil prices and escalating Middle East tensions increased demand for the U.S. dollar.
Stock Market — What Happened Today?
United States
U.S. Equities
- S&P 500: 6,781.48 (+0.83%)
The benchmark index ended slightly higher as energy-driven inflation fears offset positive economic data. Defensive sectors and energy stocks held relatively firm, while cyclicals weakened.
Major Movers
Chevron | NYSE: CVX | +2.82% ▲
Shares rose to $166.92 as oil prices surged amid escalating Middle East tensions.
Visa | NYSE: V | -1.73% ▼
Shares slipped to $276.14 as financial stocks faced pressure from rising yields and cautious investor sentiment.
United Kingdom
UK Equities
- FTSE 100: 10,412.24 (-0.56%)
Major Movers
Legal & General | LSE: LGEN | -6.70% ▼
Shares fell to £2.40 after the insurer reported £1.62bn core operating profit, slightly below expectations, while its Solvency ratio declined to 210% from 232%, despite announcing a £1.2bn share buyback.
Volatility
The VIX traded around 17, showing moderate market volatility.
What Traders Are Watching
- Oil price trajectory — crude surges above $100 increase inflation risk.
- Federal Reserve outlook — higher energy costs could delay rate cuts.
- Geopolitical developments — conflict in the Middle East continues to affect global risk sentiment and shipping routes.
“Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful.”
Yesterday's Market News – 11 March 2026
Global markets rebounded as oil prices dropped 12.18% to $87.60/bbl, easing inflation concerns. European equities led gains with the STOXX 600 up 1.92% and FTSE 100 up 1.59%, while the S&P 500 fell 0.82% to 6,795.99.
Read full recap →Sources
- Oil climbs as tankers are attacked in Iraqi waters amid Middle East war
- US dollar hovers near 2026 highs as oil's rise spurs hawkish central bank bets
- Aramco sees catastrophic consequences for the oil markets if Hormuz remains closed.
Disclaimer
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