
Equities · Geopolitics · Market Volatility · Oil
Iran rejected a ceasefire, leading to increased geopolitical tensions and a significant market shift on March 26, 2026, with WTI crude oil surging over 3% to $93.35 and Brent crude oil climbing 4% to $106.30, while equities fell.
US President Trump warned Iran to "get serious soon," intensifying concerns about the Strait of Hormuz remaining closed. This geopolitical uncertainty caused early-week market optimism to fade, driving European equities down approximately 1% and S&P 500 futures down 0.8%.
The bond market also saw a sell-off, with 10-year Treasury yields rising over 5 basis points to 4.38%. The US dollar strengthened, with EUR/USD down 0.2% to 1.1540 and USD/JPY approaching 160.00.
Precious metals experienced a tough day, with gold down 1.4% to $4,442 and silver down 4.5% to $68.03, as investors sought safety in the dollar and exited riskier assets. Markets remain focused on Middle East developments and the status of the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran Rejects Ceasefire; Oil Surges, Stocks Retreat(current)