Market Brief — Wednesday, March 11, 2026
CAUTIOUSMarket PulseFear index: stressed
The stock market can't decide what to do today. Inflation numbers came in fine, but nobody's celebrating because oil prices are through the roof thanks to the Iran war. Tech stocks are up a little because Oracle had a great quarter, but everything else is just sitting there nervously waiting to see what happens with oil and the Fed next week.
Risk RadarHIGH
Iran war has shut down 20% of the world's oil shipping route
Expensive oil is about to undo months of inflation progress
Fed meets next week with no good options — help the economy or fight inflation, can't do both
Trade policy keeps changing — businesses and consumers are paying the price
If you read nothing else
Inflation data was fine — but it doesn't matter because oil at $90 is about to make everything more expensive again. The Fed meets next week and they're in a tough spot: the economy needs help, but cutting rates while oil is spiking would be like pouring gas on a fire. Sit tight this week.