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Markets Slide as Conflict Escalates

Markets Slide as Conflict Escalates

March 30, 2026

Weekly Market Recap

Market Snapshot

Index / AssetLevelWeekly Change
Dow Jones45,166-411 (-0.90%)
Nasdaq20,948-699 (-3.23%)
S&P 5006,368-138 (-2.12%)
MSCI EAFE2,839.24-50.72 (-1.76%)
U.S. 10-Year Treasury4.44%+4.9 bp (+1.17%)
WTI Crude$99.64/bbl+$1.32 (+1.34%)

War Drags On

With no signs of de-escalation in the Middle East conflict, markets extended their selloff. Both the Dow and Nasdaq have entered correction territory¹, defined as declines of more than 10% from recent highs. The S&P 500, down approximately 7%, is not far behind.

Economic data was relatively light. March S&P U.S. Services and Manufacturing PMIs produced mixed results, while weekly initial jobless claims came in largely in line with expectations.²

Houthis Open a New Front, Crude Surges

On Sunday evening, reports³ emerged that Yemeni Houthi forces launched missiles toward Israeli targets, opening a new front in the conflict. Crude is surging⁴, with Brent trading near $116 per barrel and WTI approaching $103 per barrel. Dow futures were down approximately 1% following the news.

Week Ahead

Monday
No major economic releases
Earnings: none

Tuesday
February Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey, JOLTS, March Consumer Confidence
Earnings: Nike (NKE)

Wednesday
February U.S. Retail Sales, March ADP Private Payrolls, Final U.S. S&P and ISM Manufacturing
Earnings: none

Thursday
Initial Jobless Claims
Earnings: none

Friday
Market closed in observance of Good Friday, March Non-Farm Payrolls, March Unemployment Report, March U.S. Hourly Wages
Earnings: none

Closing Perspective

As always, our role is to look beyond the headlines and remain focused on what matters most for your long-term plan. Periods of volatility, particularly those driven by geopolitical events, can feel unsettling, but they are a normal part of investing. We continue to monitor developments closely and will make thoughtful adjustments where appropriate. If you have any questions or would like to discuss your portfolio in more detail, we welcome the conversation.

Footnotes

¹ https://www.cnbc.com/2026/03/29/stock-market-today-live-updates.html
² https://www.marketwatch.com/economy-politics/calendar
³ https://www.cnbc.com/2026/03/30/oil-price-today-wti-brent-yemen-houthis-israel-iran-war.html
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/03/30/oil-price-today-wti-brent-yemen-houthis-israel-iran-war.html