Asia-Pacific stocks slide as Hormuz shutdown threat deepens geopolitical risk

Global week ahead: Inflation pressures in focus as policymakers weigh next rate steps

Investors enter the week watching how pipeline price pressures flow into consumer inflation and central bank policy, with implications for stocks, credit, ETFs, and crypto.

Mar 22, 2026 | 425

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Markets

Asia-Pacific stocks open higher as oil slide eases inflation jitters

Regional equities advanced after Brent crude fell 2.84% to $100.21 and WTI dropped 5.28% to $93.50, lifting Wall Street and easing pressure on inflation-sensitive sectors.

Mar 22, 2026 | 380

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Markets

Bessent dismisses talk of U.S. Treasury intervention in oil, says department lacks authority

Investor Scott Bessent pushed back on market chatter that the U.S. Treasury could step into oil markets, saying the department neither is intervening nor has the legal authority to do so—clarity that tempers speculation around inflation and rate expectations.

Mar 22, 2026 | 349

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Markets

Salesforce steps up stock buybacks: what the acceleration means for investors

Salesforce is accelerating share repurchases, leaning on stronger margins and cash flow to return capital. Here’s what changed, why it matters for the market, and how different investor groups could be affected.

Mar 22, 2026 | 386

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Markets

U.S. strikes Iranian targets on Kharg Island as Tehran threatens retaliation; Strait of Hormuz security in focus

President Trump said U.S. forces struck military targets on Iran’s Kharg Island and called on countries to help secure the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran warned neighbors against involvement, elevating geopolitical risk for oil and global markets.

Mar 22, 2026 | 350

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Markets

Markets Weekly: Oil Shock From Iran Conflict Extends Stock Slide to Three Weeks

U.S. stocks fell for a third straight week as a war-driven surge in oil prices weighed on risk appetite and revived inflation concerns. Here’s what moved markets and what investors are watching next.

Mar 22, 2026 | 297

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Markets

Asia-Pacific markets mixed as oil hovers near $100 on U.S.-Iran tensions

Asia-Pacific stocks traded in different directions on March 16, 2026, with investors gauging the impact of crude near $100 a barrel, elevated geopolitical risk, and the approaching Q1 earnings season on inflation, rates, and margins.

Mar 22, 2026 | 275

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Markets

Crude Holds Above $100 for Second Day as Traders Look Past U.S. Price Measures

Global crude benchmarks settled above $100 for a second straight session, with markets prioritizing Middle East risk over U.S. efforts to cool energy costs. Comments from President Donald Trump suggesting no quick end to the conflict involving Iran kept geopolitical premiums in focus.

Mar 22, 2026 | 251

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Markets