Market Musings 3/18/2026
Quick thoughts on the markets and major portfolio news. Not on Ursa yet? Download Ursa from the App Store!
Stocks fall as #Inflation rises and oil rebounds…
The market is pulling back on #Inflation, Iran #GlobalTension and the Fed’s #RateCuts decision. Let’s unpack.
First, producer #Inflation surprised higher. PPI surged +0.7% M/M following a +0.5% jump last month. Core PPI was slightly better, but still elevated at 0.5% and above expectations.
While consumer has been moderating, producer #Inflation continues to run hotter. That suggests pipeline #Inflation pressures continue to still be building from #Tariffs.
Next, another Fed meeting wrapped up. No surprise that #RateCuts remain on pause.
While the Fed is still signaling just one #RateCuts this year, expectations are pulling in. Most officials are now leaning toward zero to one #RateCuts in their forecasts.
The outlook also has a big asterisk due to the Iran war. However, even without it, #LaborMarkets support isn’t seeming to outweigh #Inflation anymore.
Finally, Iran. Israel struck an Iranian gas field which led Iran to hit a US ally’s fuel hub. Crude oil rebounded from the declines earlier this week with #GlobalTension re-escalated.
So, what now? For now, it’s all about Iran #GlobalTension.
Oil remains the key barometer for market sentiment on the #GlobalTension. More attacks likely see oil rising further while any deescalation (or even no news) likely sees oil pricing decline. Until there’s more clarity, that dynamic will likely continue to ebb and flow.
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The statements, opinions and analyses presented here are provided as general information. This article is the opinion of the author. Anything within this article should NOT be considered an investment recommendation or advice. See Ursa’s full disclosures here.
Original Photo by Pixabay.