With inflation persistently high and oil prices surging because of the ongoing Iran war, the Federal Reserve kept its benchmark interest rate steady on March 18 and signaled that interest rates cuts will be delayed, possibly until 2027.
That’s a double whammy for metals and mining stocks.
On the one hand,
As the world remains mired in geopolitical tensions, it seems like we were in a different era when uncertainties in the market meant skirmishes between President Trump and Tesla (TSLA) CEO Elon Musk on X. Every reaction and response to the same was watched by hawk-eyed market observers who had any interest in the EV giant’s stock.
» Read more about: Tesla Faces a New FSD Probe: What Does That Mean for the TSLA Stock Bull Case? »
By STAN CHOE
NEW YORK (AP) — Another climb for oil prices shook stock markets on Friday, as hopes collapsed for a possible cut to interest rates this year by the Federal Reserve.
The S&P 500 fell 1.5% to close its fourth straight losing week, its longest such streak in a year.
UBS Secures Bank License for Its Campaign to Expand U.S. Wealth Arm
A new national charter allows it to gather deposits and further boost its U.S. presence as it fights over Swiss capital regulations.
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Tech Exec Accused of Smuggling High-End Nvidia Chips to China
Super Micro Computer placed two employees on leave and fired a contractor after charges of diverting U.S.-assembled servers to China,
Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange during morning trading on March 18, 2026 in New York City.
Michael M. Santiago | Getty Images
Stocks sold off on Friday, with declines intensifying into the final hour of the session as traders grappled with escalating conflict in the Middle East and higher oil prices.
Understand index funds, how they track indices like Nifty 50, and simple ways to start investing.
Mutual funds offer investors a simple way to access diversified, professionally managed portfolios with affordability, liquidity, and potential tax benefits. By providing exposure to equities, debt, and other instruments, they suit different levels of risk and return expectations.
» Read more about: What are index funds, and how do they track market indices? »
In the stock market, there are two fundamental types of companies. The first type constitutes classical businesses, which are appraised in the antiquated manner: by their cash flows, by real revenue, and by marginality. This is mathematics. The second type is the so-called “dream companies.” Their valuation is built not on a calculator,
Growth investors focus on stocks that are seeing above-average financial growth, as this feature helps these securities garner the market’s attention and deliver solid returns. But finding a growth stock that can live up to its true potential can be a tough task.
That’s because, these stocks usually carry above-average risk and volatility.
» Read more about: 3 Reasons Why Growth Investors Shouldn't Overlook Alvopetro Energy (ALVOF) »
Global merchandise trade will decelerate less sharply this year than the World Trade Organization predicted six months ago, but faces a deeper slowdown if war in the Middle East keeps energy prices high for a sustained period.
The volume of goods trade is forecast to rise by 1.9%, compared with the WTO’s prediction in October for a 0.5% gain in 2026 and markedly weaker than a 4.6% jump in 2025 that was attributed to AI and a smaller-than-expected drag from US tariffs.
» Read more about: Global Trade to Slow Amid Opposing Forces of Energy Surge and AI »