March 20, 2026

Futures are weaker heading into the weekend after US equities finished lower yesterday despite Netanyahu headlines leading to a late day bounceback into EOD. Geopolitical headlines remain the focus overnight with Brent rising as much as 90bps before reversing, as Iran pressed ahead with hitting energy assets & headlines that the US is considering plans to occupy Iran’s Kharg Island to press for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. As of 8:15am, S&P 500 futures fell 0.4% after finishing on Thursday under its 200-day moving average which could trigger even more forced selling; Nasdaq 100 futures declined 0.6%. US stocks are on course for a fourth week of losses, the longest losing streak in a year.  Brent crude oil prices reversed earlier gains to decline 0.7% to around $108. The VIX rose to around 25.  Elsewhere, it was a relatively quiet overnight with upward pressure on yields still the focus (USGG10YR +4bps @ 4.29%) amid concerns about hawkish central bank reaction functions. Metals are mostly lower: Aluminum -4.4%, Silver -1.0%. The US Dollar is up 0.2% as markets price in less than 5bp of Fed rate cuts this year, down from 60bp last month. There is no macro on today’s calendar.

In premarket trading, Mag 7 stocks are all lower (Alphabet -0.7%, Amazon -0.6%, Tesla -0.4%, Nvidia -0.5%, Meta -0.4%, Microsoft -0.5%, Apple -0.4%)

 

Futures are weakening ahead of a volatile weekend as US stocks close another losing week amid persistent geopolitical tensions, particularly Iran’s continued strikes on energy assets and potential US moves to occupy Kharg Island to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Despite a late-day bounce on Netanyahu headlines, the S&P 500 fell below its critical 200-day moving average, risking more selling, while oil prices, after early gains, retreated amid geopolitical jitters. Market anxiety is amplified by rising yields and a stronger dollar as Fed rate cut expectations diminish, with major tech stocks trending lower in premarket trading. Amid this turmoil, drugmakers are set to introduce cheaper copies of Novo Nordisk’s weight-loss drugs in India, JPMorgan is addressing banker overwork, and Chinese giants Alibaba and Tencent face investor backlash for unclear AI strategies. As the Iran conflict intensifies with no resolution in sight, experts warn the market is coming to grips with prolonged higher energy prices fueled by Tehran’s escalating threats, underscoring the tense, unpredictable environment shaking global confidence.

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