Public Markets 3h Briefing
×Market Turmoil
The S&P 500 bloomberg.com futures dropped 1.4% as the Iran war entered its fourth day, heightening fears of energy market disruption and surging inflation. Gold bloomberg.com slumped more than 5% after a four-day rally as traders weighed Middle East escalation against a stronger dollar and elevated inflation. The dollar bloomberg.com headed for its biggest two-day rally in almost a year as the deepening conflict stoked inflation fears and spurred haven demand.
Energy Crisis
Global diesel prices bloomberg.com surged to their highest premium to crude oil since summer 2023 as the Middle East conflict threatens supplies. Iraq bloomberg.com started shutting oil production at the giant Rumaila field operated by BP Plc as storage fills up. Iraq bloomberg.com also halted crude oil shipments via the key pipeline to Turkey's Ceyhan port, disrupting semi-autonomous Kurdistan region exports.
Bond Markets
The UK bloomberg.com slashed its bond sales to a three-year low, reflecting improved country finances. Meanwhile, the UK may revive switch auctions bloomberg.com to improve gilt-market liquidity. Czech economic growth bloomberg.com is becoming more robust after a stronger-than-expected expansion last year, according to the central bank.
Corporate Moves
HSBC investing.com upgraded Block citing a "material increase in earnings power." Medline bloomberg.com shareholders are offering 75 million shares, capitalizing on a rally in the medical supplier's stock since its late-2024 debut. Ziff Davis wsj.com struck a deal to sell its connectivity division to Accenture for $1.2 billion in cash.
Regional Markets
UAE markets bloomberg.com will reopen for trading on March 4 after two days of closure due to Middle East conflict. Norway bloomberg.com said its natural gas producers are operating near full capacity, putting pressure on European nations seeking to fill depleted stockpiles as Qatar cuts supply.
Policy & Regulation
Federal Reserve Bank of New York President John Williams bloomberg.com said additional rate cuts will be warranted if inflation slows further once most tariff impacts pass. Fed Governor Michelle Bowman bloomberg.com said the regulator should weigh how liquidity rules affect lenders during volatility and address framework weaknesses.
Defense & Security
Thales ft.com eyes higher defense sales as government spending booms, saying Middle East conflict shows how "disturbed state of geopolitics" drives rearmament. AeroVironment investing.com bounced 6.5% on Space Force contract talks as defense sector gains momentum.
Market Sentiment
Private credit investors bloomberg.com have been "spooked" by recent market turmoil, according to Moody's. Software shorts investing.com reached their highest level since the GFC, Deutsche Bank reported, as AI disruption and market volatility pressure the sector.