Volatility

• Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies experienced significant price fluctuations as geopolitical tensions surrounding the Iran conflict escalated, with investors reassessing risk exposure.

• A US fighter jet was shot down over Iranian territory on April 3, 2026, intensifying the US-Israeli war on Iran that began with airstrikes on February 28 targeting nuclear sites and leadership. • The incident prompted immediate retaliatory concerns, with Bitcoin prices wavering amid rising geopolitical risk premiums affecting crypto markets globally. • Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz has triggered the largest oil supply disruption since the 1970s, spiking energy prices and impacting US economy.

• Bitcoin price fell to $66,710.43 at 8:45 a.m. ET on March 31, 2026, down $1,112 from prior day and $15,830 from recent peak. • Decline reflects ongoing cryptocurrency market pressures in US trading. • Highlights volatility impacting tech investment sectors tied to digital assets.

Critics say president is locking into 20th century energy systems even as his ‘bet’ on oil and gas ‘isn’t going so well’By attacking Iran and threatening to seize its oil while taking extraordinary measures to block clean energy back in the US, Donald Trump has inadvertently highlighted the dangerous volatility of the fossil fuel era, critics say.The US and Israel’s bombardment of Iran and southern Lebanon has caused a humanitarian and environmental toll, with threats of further escalation set to add to these casualties as well as add more planet-heating emissions and destroy drinking water supplies. Continue reading...

• Financial advisors are recommending patience for investors amid extreme market swings, noting that historical data shows staying invested typically outperforms reactive selling during crises—even during wartime. • The S&P 500 has retreated to levels not seen since August 2025, with three major indexes all significantly below their recent peaks as geopolitical uncertainty continues to roil markets. • Investment strategists emphasize that while current volatility is unsettling, panic-driven decisions often lock in losses and can result in missed opportunities for recovery.

• Brent crude oil prices showed modest gains of approximately 1% despite elevated geopolitical rhetoric, indicating potential underestimation of conflict escalation risks by the energy market. • Energy price volatility is creating supply chain pressures and financial stress for corporations, with rising energy costs cited as a major factor in corporate capacity reduction decisions and market-wide weakness. • The US government's expanding influence over global energy markets reflects efforts to manage price stability and geopolitical risks, with EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin discussing energy policy responses on financial media.

• Micron Technology (MU) is set to report earnings this week as investors monitor semiconductor sector performance amid broader concerns about AI-driven disruption and competitive dynamics in memory chip markets. • Morningstar research highlights which tech companies possess durable economic moats resistant to AI disruption, with analysis suggesting Microsoft maintains strong competitive advantages while others like Adobe and Salesforce face pressure. • The earnings season context reveals downward revisions to profit estimates across sectors, particularly for companies exposed to elevated energy costs and consumer spending weakness tied to oil price shocks.

The S&P 500 declined around 1% for the week ending March 13, 2026, capping a volatile session with Nasdaq down nearly 1% on the final day. Dow Jones showed resilience with three mornings of sharp openings recovered to flat or up 250 points, yet year-to-date losses stand at 2%. Stagflation fears intensify due to oil surges and geopolitical risks, impacting investor sentiment. Next week's Nvidia GTC event may spotlight AI sectors amid broader caution.

A judge rejected subpoenas targeting Fed Chair Jerome Powell on March 13, 2026, preventing potential disruptions during a tense market session as indexes fell. The decision came amid broader equity declines, with S&P 500 down 0.5% and Nasdaq off 0.67% in afternoon trading. This ruling stabilizes central bank communications at a critical juncture for monetary policy amid inflation pressures. Markets may now focus on upcoming PCE data releases without subpoena overhang.

US equities experienced choppy trading during the week ending March 13, 2026, driven by Iran conflict headlines and oil price swings above $100 per barrel, with the S&P 500 closing just 4.4% below its January all-time high. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 1.66% for the week, 4.53% in March, and 2.51% year-to-date, while the Nasdaq declined 0.32% weekly but 3.89% year-to-date. This resilience amid elevated volatility underscores market concerns over prolonged geopolitical tensions impacting energy prices and growth. Investors anticipate continued headline-driven swings until tensions ease.

Canada's employment situation deteriorated significantly in February, with the national unemployment rate rising to 6.7 percent—a 0.2 percent increase from January and the worst monthly job performance in four years. Economic analysts attribute the decline partly to growing global volatility stemming from the ongoing Iran conflict and international tensions. The labor market weakness raises concerns that persistent inflation could worsen as geopolitical instability disrupts supply chains and energy markets. Canadian policymakers face mounting pressure to address employment challenges while managing inflationary pressures linked to rising oil prices and defense spending.

US Treasury volatility reached a nine-month high on March 13, 2026, driven by surging oil prices and tariff announcements stoking inflation worries. Bond market turbulence reflects broader economic uncertainty from geopolitical risks with Iran. Traders now price in a full Federal Reserve rate cut this year despite persistent inflation pressures. This spike underscores fragile market sentiment ahead of key economic data releases.