The Weekly Update
Week of March 16th, 2026
By Christopher T. Much, CFP®, AIF®
Stocks logged a third-straight down week as investors digested the latest news out of the Middle East, navigated more volatility, and mulled the latest economic data.
The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index declined 1.60 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index lost 1.26 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 1.99 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, slid 2.28 percent.
Middle East
Markets got a volatile start to the week, with stocks falling and oil prices rising as commercial maritime traffic heading out of the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz remained at a virtual standstill. But stocks rebounded late in the day after the White House said the conflict may end sooner than expected.
Stocks dropped at Tuesday’s opening bell but mostly recovered after word spread that a group of countries, including the U.S., were considering a coordinated release of strategic oil reserves to counter supply disruptions. Markets generally went sideways midweek as news that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) held steady last month buoyed spirits.
As the week progressed, all three major averages fell, and oil prices hit all-time closing highs. Investors grew increasingly concerned over the impact of oil supply disruptions on the broader global economy, with the Strait of Hormuz remaining a concern. Bond yields rose as investors believed a prolonged conflict would keep oil prices high, increasing the chance of higher inflation.
Market sentiment continued to struggle as the week wrapped up, but declines slowed despite a downward revision to Q4 gross domestic product (GDP) growth.
Stubborn Inflation
With all the updates on the Middle East conflict, it was easy to miss other news last week.
Wednesday’s report that the CPI remained unchanged in February over the prior 12 months was good news. But it was the last bit of inflation data before the conflict in the Middle East began. Friday’s Personal Consumption & Expenditures Index, the Fed’s preferred inflation measure, showed that consumer prices remained sticky in January. Investors largely took this report in stride because delayed reports tend to lose their impact with time.
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).
*Indicates federal data release delayed by the government shutdown in October and November of last year
Source: Investors Business Daily – Econoday economic calendar: March 13, 2026.
The Econoday economic calendar lists upcoming U.S. economic data releases (including key economic indicators), Federal Reserve policy meetings, and speaking engagements of Federal Reserve officials. The content is developed from sources believed to provide accurate information. The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and may not materialize. The forecasts are also subject to revision.
This Week: Companies Reporting Earnings
Wednesday: Micron Technology, Inc. (MU).
Thursday: FedEx Corporation (FDX).
Source: Zacks, March 13, 2026. Companies mentioned are for informational purposes only. It should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of the securities. Investing involves risks, and investment decisions should be based on your goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance. The return and principal value of investments will fluctuate as market conditions change. When sold, investments may be worth more or less than their original cost. Companies may reschedule their earnings reports without notice.
