Stocks logged a third consecutive week of losses as investors assessed developments in the Middle East, navigated ongoing market volatility, and evaluated the latest economic data.

Key Takeaways

Markets declined for a third straight week amid geopolitical tensions and rising oil prices
Disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz fueled energy market volatility
Bond yields moved higher as investors worried that elevated oil prices could push inflation higher
Inflation data released before the conflict showed mixed signals on price pressures

YCharts.com, March 14, 2026. Weekly performance is measured from Monday, March 9 to Friday, March 13.

Market Performance Snapshot

The S&P 500 Index declined 1.60 percent for the week, while the Nasdaq Composite fell 1.26 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 1.99 percent as selling pressure broadened across sectors.

Developed international stocks also struggled, with the MSCI EAFE Index losing 2.28 percent as global markets reacted to rising geopolitical tensions and energy supply concerns. Oil prices were a central driver of market sentiment, surging to all-time closing highs as disruptions to shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz threatened global energy supplies.

Middle East Conflict Adds to Uncertainty

Markets began the week with sharp swings as investors reacted to the latest developments in the Middle East. Oil prices surged while stocks initially fell as maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remained effectively halted.

Markets later stabilized after comments from the White House suggested the conflict could resolve sooner than expected. Stocks recovered much of their early losses by the end of Monday’s session.

Volatility continued Tuesday. Markets opened lower before rebounding after reports that several countries, including the United States, were considering a coordinated release of strategic oil reserves to counter supply disruptions.

Midweek trading was relatively calm as investors digested a report showing that the Consumer Price Index remained unchanged over the prior twelve months. However, market sentiment weakened as the week progressed and energy prices continued climbing.

Concerns about prolonged supply disruptions weighed on markets, pushing bond yields higher as investors considered the possibility that elevated oil prices could sustain inflation pressures.

Stubborn Inflation Remains in the Background

Amid the geopolitical headlines, inflation data also remained a focus.

Wednesday’s CPI report showing no change in year-over-year inflation offered some reassurance to investors. However, the report reflected conditions before the Middle East conflict began affecting energy markets.

Later in the week, the Personal Consumption & Expenditures Index, one of the Federal Reserve’s preferred measures of inflation, showed that price pressures remained persistent in January.

Investors largely absorbed the report without major market reactions. Delayed economic data releases tend to carry less influence on markets as newer developments quickly shift attention elsewhere.

Still, the combination of sticky inflation and rising energy prices remains an important backdrop as markets look ahead to future Federal Reserve decisions.

This Week: Key Economic Data

Monday
Industrial Production
Capacity Utilization

Tuesday
Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) Meeting (Day 1)
Pending Home Sales
Homebuilder Confidence

Wednesday
FOMC Meeting—Day 2
Producer Price Index (PPI)
Factory Orders* (Jan.)
FOMC Interest Rate Decision
Fed Chair Press Conference

Thursday
Weekly Jobless Claims
Wholesale Inventories* (Jan.)
New Home Sales* (Jan.)

Friday
Employment Cost Index (Q4)

This Week: Companies Reporting Earnings

Wednesday
Micron Technology, Inc. (MU)

Thursday
FedEx Corporation (FDX)

As I age, my height changes, but not my importance. Your hand guides me, and I help articulate what you want to say. When we part, I am not important or useful to you. What am I?

Last Week's Riddle: It can be measured despite lacking length, width, or height. What is it?

Answer: Temperature.

Footnotes And Sources

1. WSJ.com, March 12-13, 2026
2. Investing.com, March 13, 2026
3. CNBC.com, March 9-11, 2026
4. IRS.gov, June 10, 2025
5. Investors Business Daily - Econoday economic calendar: March 13, 2026
6. Zacks, March 13, 2026

This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with Bethesda Wealth Planning Group.

Weekly: Oil Prices and Inflation Concerns Continue