Global markets experienced a pullback on Thursday, March 26, 2026, as persistent tensions in the Middle East and mixed signals regarding ceasefire negotiations between the United States and Iran dampened risk appetite. Treasury yields edged lower while oil prices climbed amid the uncertainty.
Asian stocks declined by 1%, snapping a two-day rally, as rising energy costs fueled concerns about inflation and potential economic slowdowns. Technology shares also faced headwinds following a breakthrough announcement from Google researchers.
The MSCI All Country World Index is poised for its first weekly decline, suggesting that earlier optimism may be waning as the U.S. And Iran remain at odds over negotiations, with no end to the conflict in sight. This shift reflects a broader investor reassessment of geopolitical risk.
Continua depois da publicidade
Brent crude rose 2% to around $104.30 per barrel, recovering from Wednesday’s losses. The U.S. Has maintained that talks are ongoing, but Iran has dismissed approaches from the Trump administration. Oil prices have been volatile this week, with declines often followed by gains the next day.
Higher oil prices impacted the bond market, with the yield on the 10-year Treasury rising three basis points to 4.36%. The benchmark yield has increased approximately 40 basis points since the start of the conflict, reinforcing expectations that monetary policymakers may maintain higher interest rates due to accelerating inflation. Bonds also fell in Japan and Australia.
United States
U.S. Stock futures were little changed Thursday morning as investors monitored developments in the Middle East, hoping for progress toward ending the conflict in Iran.
Here’s a appear at futures market performance:
- Dow Jones Futures: -0.62%
- S&P 500 Futures: -0.67%
- Nasdaq Futures: -0.78%Â
Asia-Pacific
Asian bourses fell on Thursday after Iran signaled it has no intention of engaging in direct talks with the United States, even as Tehran reviews an American proposal to end the war, according to the Islamic Republic’s foreign minister. The news added to investor caution in the region.
- Shanghai SE (China), -1.09%
- Nikkei (Japan): -0.27%
- Hang Seng Index (Hong Kong): -1.89%
- Nifty 50 (India): +1.72%
- ASX 200 (Australia): -0.10%
Europe
European stocks opened lower on Thursday as investors weighed mixed signals regarding the progress of peace negotiations in the Middle East. The situation highlights the sensitivity of European markets to geopolitical events.
Continua depois da publicidade
The STOXX 600 was down 0.8%, with all major exchanges and most sectors trading in negative territory. The UK’s FTSE 100 opened down 0.8%, while Germany’s DAX fell 1.1%, France’s CAC 40 lost 0.6%, and Italy’s FTSE MIB declined 0.6%.
- STOXX 600: -0.87%
- DAX (Germany): -1.18%
- FTSE 100 (United Kingdom): -0.82%
- CAC 40 (France): -0.56%
- FTSE MIB (Italy): -0.69%Â
Commodities
Oil futures rebounded after touching $97.15 in the session on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.
Iron ore quotations in China closed lower.
Continua depois da publicidade
- WTI Crude Oil, +3.80%, to $93.72 a barrel
- Brent Crude Oil, +3.57%, to $105.87 a barrel
- Iron ore traded on the Dalian exchange, +0.18%, to 817 yuan (US$118.380)
Bitcoin
- Bitcoin (BTC), -1.25%, to $69,995.50 (compared to the quotation 24 hours ago)
(With Reuters, CNBC and Bloomberg)
