Week In Perspective | Wall Street Reacts to Middle East Conflict. [30-March-26] — Anchor Group Retirement Planning & Investments

Updated: 23-March-2026

The Week on Wall Street

Stocks ended a challenging week lower as investors' attention shifted from updates on ceasefire talks to concerns about the economic impact of a protracted conflict.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index lost 2.12 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index fell 3.23 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 0.90 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, ended the week flat (-0.05 percent).^1,2

Challenging Week

Stocks opened higher to start the week as fresh optimism for a resolution to the Middle East conflict permeated market sentiment, and no further news on Iraq’s force majeure declaration appeared to help momentum. Both the Dow Industrials and S&P 500 booked their best day since early February as the White House reported "very good and productive conversations" to end hostilities.³

Markets were under pressure on Tuesday but staged a recovery rally midweek amid reports that Pakistan was mediating ceasefire talks. All three major averages posted solid gains, though it appeared that retail investors remained on the sidelines.⁴
The upbeat sentiment was short-lived. Markets were under steady pressure Thursday despite news after the close of trading that the White House was extending the previous pause on military strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure by an additional 10 days. The selling picked up on Friday. The Nasdaq and Dow Industrials fell into correction territory, while the S&P suffered its longest weekly losing streak in almost four years.⁵

Sector Spotlight

Some investors have turned to energy stocks during the volatility. At the close of trading, 19 energy stocks in the S&P 500 traded at their 52-week highs.⁶

This Week: Key Economic Data

Monday: New York Fed President John Williams speaks.

Tuesday: S&P/Case Shiller Home Price Index* (Jan.). Consumer Confidence. Job Openings. Fed speeches: Austan Goolsbee (Chicago), Michael Barr, Michelle Bowman.

Wednesday: Retail Sales* (Feb.). ADP Employment Report. Business Inventories* (Jan.). PMI—Manufacturing. ISM Manufacturing. EIA Petroleum Status Report. Fed speeches: Alberto Musalem (St. Louis), Michael Barr.

Thursday: Weekly Jobless Claims. Trade Deficit (Feb.). Fed official Lorie Logan speaks. Factory Orders. EIA Natural Gas Report. Motor Vehicle Sales. Fed Balance Sheet.

Friday: Employment Report. PMI—Services.

* indicates federal data release delayed by the government shutdown

Source: Investors Business Daily - Econoday economic calendar: March 27, 2026.The Econoday economic calendar lists upcoming U.S. economic data releases (including key economic indicators), Federal Reserve policy meetings, and speaking engagements of Federal Reserve officials. The content is developed from sources believed to provide accurate information. The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and may not materialize. The forecasts are also subject to revision.

This Week: Companies Reporting Earnings

Wednesday: Nike, Inc. (NKE), McCormick & Company, Incorporated (MKC/MKC.V)

Source: Zacks, March 27, 2026. Companies mentioned are for informational purposes only. It should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of the securities. Investing involves risks, and investment decisions should be based on your goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance. The return and principal value of investments will fluctuate as market conditions change. When sold, investments may be worth more or less than their original cost. Companies may reschedule their earnings reports without notice.