Public Markets 3h Briefing
×Last updated: March 15, 2026, 8:30 AM ET
Energy & Commodities
Aluminum prices surged 3.2% bloomberg.com after Bahrain's Aluminium Bahrain BSC began phased production cuts at the world's largest single-site smelter, citing Strait of Hormuz supply concerns. The shutdown threatens to remove 1.5 million tons bloomberg.com from global aluminum supply annually. Meanwhile, Bangladesh lifted fuel restrictions bloomberg.com ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, boosting diesel and gasoline supplies as the nation prepares for its largest annual festival while ensuring adequate irrigation for paddy fields.
Geopolitics & Trade
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy challenged European leaders ft.com over Russian oil imports, questioning whether countries had "collectively decided" to restart flows from Moscow despite ongoing conflict. The diplomatic pressure comes as energy markets remain volatile, with Middle East tensions already driving Brent crude above $83 bloomberg.com per barrel following Bahrain's production announcement.
Regional Markets
Asian equity markets opened mixed bloomberg.com with materials sector gains offsetting energy sector weakness, while Japanese government bonds extended their rally nytimes.com tracking overnight Treasury advances. Traders are increasingly pricing in a September Fed rate cut as inflation data continues to show signs of cooling, though geopolitical risks in both the Middle East and Eastern Europe are keeping volatility elevated ft.com.