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March Brings Turbulence to Wall Street Amid Middle East Conflict

KVIA•Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at 1:34 PM•CNN Newsource

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March has proven to be a challenging month for Wall Street, with the ongoing conflict in Iran causing significant market fluctuations. The Dow and Nasdaq have entered correction territory, while the S&P 500 is on track for its worst quarterly performance since 2022. Oil prices have surged above $100 per barrel, raising concerns over energy inflation and its impact on economic growth. Despite a recent rally in stocks, fueled by speculation about a potential resolution to the conflict, investor sentiment remains cautious as the VIX, a measure of market volatility, has reached its highest level since April. The situation continues to evolve, with traders closely monitoring developments in the Middle East and the Federal Reserve's response to inflation.

Key Details: • Dow and S&P 500 face their worst month since September 2022. • Oil prices have increased nearly 50% this month, trading above $100 per barrel. • The VIX has surpassed 30 points, indicating heightened market volatility. • Investors are hopeful for guidance on the conflict's resolution, impacting market direction.

federal-reserve middle-east stock-market volatility oil-prices

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Matt MaleyMiller Tabak + CoFreedom Capital MarketsJay Woods

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