Market Brief — Saturday, March 14, 2026
BEARISHMarket PulseFear index: stressed
Markets posted a third straight weekly loss as the Iran conflict keeps oil above $100 and Q4 GDP was slashed to 0.7%. Consumer sentiment hit a 2026 low. The S&P 500 fell to its lowest level of the year. The word nobody wants to say out loud: stagflation.
Risk RadarHIGH
Iran conflict escalation and prolonged Strait of Hormuz closure
Stagflation risk: near-zero growth with rising energy prices
Fed policy trap: can't cut rates with inflation above target
Consumer spending pullback from negative real wage growth
Geopolitical uncertainty ahead of potential diplomatic negotiations
If you read nothing else
The economy grew 0.7% last quarter while oil sits above $100 and gas prices keep climbing. The Fed meets next week and can't cut rates because inflation won't cooperate. Nothing is crashing all at once , it's just getting worse slowly. Don't panic sell. Don't try to time the bottom. If you're in index funds, stay there. If you're holding cash, that's fine too.