Boosting

• The US has drafted a comprehensive 15-point proposal delivered to Iran through Pakistan intended to resolve ongoing hostilities between the two nations, according to Bloomberg reports citing people familiar with the matter. • Stock futures rose Wednesday morning on optimism surrounding diplomatic negotiations, though details of the proposal remain undisclosed. • President Donald Trump has publicly stated that any agreement must include prohibitions on Iran obtaining nuclear weapons or enriching radioactive material for civilian purposes.

• U.S. stocks closed higher on Monday, March 23, 2026, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average rising 1.4% or 631 points to 46,208.47 amid hopes of easing Middle East tensions. • Nasdaq Composite advanced 1.4% to 21,946.76 led by Albemarle Corporation's 3.5% gain, while S&P 500 gained 1.2% or 74.52 points to 6,581.00 with all 11 sectors positive. • Consumer Discretionary (XLY), Materials (XLB), and Technology (XLK) sectors rose 2.5%, 1.5%, and 1.5% respectively; VIX fell 2.4% to 26.15 on higher trading volume of 27.94 billion shares.

• The El Niño weather pattern is likely to develop this summer and persist through 2026, elevating global temperatures and disrupting regional weather worldwide. • Scientists indicate this event could exacerbate warming trends, following a new study addressing whether global warming is accelerating. • The pattern matters for US agriculture, water resources, and extreme weather risks, with potential for hotter summers across the nation.