Financial insights for the week ending March 13, 2026
For the week ending March 13th, 2026, the markets finished lower for a second week in a row. The S&P 500 lost 1.60%, the Nasdaq Composite fell 1.26%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 1.99%, and the Russell 2000 dropped 1.79%.
Markets spent much of the week reacting to developments in the Middle East and the potential impact on global energy supplies as the conflict with Iran entered its second week. Brent crude oil rose sharply, briefly reaching $120 per barrel before settling closer to $100 by Friday. The volatility reflected growing concern that the conflict could disrupt shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a 21-mile narrow waterway between Iran and Oman that carries roughly 20% of the world’s oil supply. In response to rising oil prices, the U.S. government took several steps aimed at stabilizing supply, including releasing oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, temporarily easing certain sanctions to allow additional Russian and Venezuelan oil exports, and announcing future plans to escort tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. Tanker traffic through the strait slowed as shipping companies weighed the risks of potentially being attacked. One concern is the possibility of naval mines, which can take time to detect and clear. While the U.S. has discussed escorting tankers through the region, those operations have not yet begun. The economic concern extends beyond fuel prices. Roughly one-third of the world’s fertilizer trade passes through the affected region, meaning disruptions could eventually impact crop production and food prices later this year. Despite the escalation, the general consensus on Wall Street remains that the conflict will likely be relatively short-lived, though markets must reassess that assumption each day the conflict continues, leading to increased volatility in the global and domestic markets.
Several events next week could influence markets, particularly around interest rates, inflation, and ongoing geopolitical developments. Middle East Developments: Markets will continue watching the conflict in the Middle East. Oil prices remain sensitive to any disruptions in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, and any signs of de-escalation or a temporary truce could help ease pressure on energy prices. Federal Reserve Meeting: The Federal Reserve meets next Wednesday, and investors will be watching closely for clues about the future path of interest rates. Rising oil prices have raised concerns that inflation could remain elevated, which may delay additional rate cuts. Current expectations suggest the Fed may deliver only one rate cut in 2026, less support than markets had hoped earlier this year. However, the Fed typically focuses on “core inflation,” which excludes volatile food and energy prices. Investors will be listening closely to see whether policymakers view the recent spike in oil prices as temporary, and maybe more focused on the lackluster job market instead. Inflation Data: Wednesday morning also brings the Producer Price Index (PPI), which measures inflation at the wholesale level. Because it is released just hours before the Fed’s decision, the report could influence how investors interpret the Fed’s comments later that day. Government Shutdown: Investors will also be monitoring progress toward resolving the partial U.S. government shutdown, which can create short-term uncertainty around federal spending and economic data releases.
For this week's financial tip of the week, it's tax season! As tax deadline approaches, it’s helpful to keep an eye out for the most common informational tax forms. These documents report income from investments and other financial activity and are needed when preparing your tax return. Some of the most common forms include: • 1099-DIV: Reports dividends and capital gain distributions from investments • 1099-INT: Reports interest earned from bank accounts or bonds • 1099-B: Reports proceeds from the sale of securities • 1099-R: Reports distributions from retirement accounts such as IRAs or pensions. • 1098 – Reports mortgage interest paid during the year • W2: Reports income from a job or position. Brokerage firms often issue consolidated 1099s later in the tax season, and they can occasionally be corrected. Waiting until all forms arrive can help prevent the need to amend your return later!
Enjoy your day! Come back next Saturday for our latest commentary. We are here to answer any of your financial questions.