Trending Now - Investors Seek Stability Amid Market Turmoil and Conflict
WHO:
President Donald Trump, former President of the United States
Adam Grossman, chartered financial analyst and founder of Mayport Wealth Management
Angelo Kourkafas, senior global investment strategist at Edward Jones
Dominic Pappalardo, chief multi-asset strategist at Morningstar Wealth
Anthony Saglimbene, chief market strategist at Ameriprise
WHAT:
Oil prices briefly spiked to nearly $120 per barrel on March 13th, 2026, the highest price since the summer of 2022.
Analysts predict that oil prices could quickly reach $150 if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed.
The S&P 500 Index dropped 1.5% on March 9th, 2026, but ended the day with a gain of 0.8%.
Two-year U.S. Treasury yields rose about 9 basis points to their highest level since August 2025.
The U.S. and Israel launched a war on Iran.
The average 401(k) balance grew 11% in 2025.
Oil prices spiked to nearly $120 per barrel on March 13th, 2026.
The S&P 500 is 4% below its all-time high set in January 2026.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average has experienced fluctuations, including a drop of roughly 900 points in one day.
WHERE:
The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway off Iran’s coast, where a fifth of the world’s oil typically sails.
WHEN:
The war on Iran began in March 2026.
The S&P 500's all-time high was set in January 2026.
President Trump launched “Liberation Day” tariffs in the spring of 2025.
The oil price spike occurred on March 13th, 2026.
WHY:
The ongoing war in Iran is causing extreme swings in markets and slowing the global flow of oil, leading to concerns about stagflation.
The war in Iran is causing disruptions in the global flow of oil, leading to increased prices and market volatility.
Higher oil prices are contributing to concerns about potential stagflation, where economic growth stagnates while inflation remains high.
HOW:
Fund managers are now looking beyond traditional hedging strategies due to the rising anxiety of a stagflationary shock, focusing on selective equities, option overlays, and increased dollar exposure.
Investors are advised to maintain a diversified portfolio and avoid reacting to short-term market volatility.
Historical data shows that staying fully invested in the S&P 500 has outperformed cashing out after market-upsetting events.
The market has historically recovered from steep drops due to various crises, including wars and economic downturns.
(UPDATED March 13, 2026 17:11 UTC)
Today, oil prices briefly spiked to nearly $120 per barrel, marking the highest level since the summer of 2022, as analysts warn that prices could soar to $150 if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed amid the ongoing war in Iran. In related market news, the S&P 500 Index dropped 1.5% last Monday but managed to end the day with a gain of 0.8%, while two-year U.S. Treasury yields rose about 9 basis points to their highest level since August 2025. Fund managers are adapting to the rising anxiety of a stagflationary shock by shifting their focus to selective equities, option overlays, and increased dollar exposure.
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(UPDATED March 13, 2026 11:08 UTC)
Today, President Trump announced the launch of a war on Iran, which has already caused significant disruptions in the global oil market, leading prices to spike to nearly $120 per barrel. As a result, the S&P 500 is currently 4% below its all-time high set in January, and the Dow Jones has seen fluctuations, including a notable drop of around 900 points in a single day. Financial experts are advising investors to maintain diversified portfolios and remain calm, as historical data shows that markets tend to recover from steep drops following crises.