Weekly Market Insights | Wall Street Reacts to Middle East Conflict.

Chad Kunc | March 30, 2026

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

^{Source: YCharts.com, March 28, 2026. Weekly performance is measured from Monday, March 23 to Friday, March 27. TR = total return for the index, which includes any dividends as well as any other cash distributions during the period. Treasury note yield is expressed in basis points.}

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.}

"Self-pity in its early stages is as snug as a feather mattress. Only when it hardens does it become uncomfortable."

– Maya Angelou

IRS Program Helps Seniors Prepare Taxes

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers a Free File tool that provides online tax preparation, direct deposit of refunds, and electronic filing choices. This tool can be helpful for taxpayers on a fixed budget, including seniors and retirees. Here are some things to know about the tool:

IRS Free File is available at IRS.gov and features some of the biggest names in tax software.

To use the tool, taxpayers can browse multiple offers.
The eligibility standards for Free File vary by tax partner but are usually based on income, age, and state residency.
Free File has the most common forms needed to file your taxes. Even if you have a unique tax situation, you may still be able to use Free File.
Some Free File products are available in Spanish.
You can also search for credits and deductions in Free File.
Some providers in Free File also offer state return preparation. You can use the lookup tool in Free File to find the tax partner that might be appropriate for your state requirements.
Taxpayers can access Free File through their computers, smartphones, or tablets. The site is designed for mobile usage.

This information is not a substitute for individualized tax advice. Please discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax professional.

Tip adapted from IRS.gov⁷

Aloe Vera: One Powerful Plant

Aloe vera is one of those medicinal plants that can be used for almost everything. It is a cactus-type plant that grows well in many climates and has thick, juicy leaves that store water. Because of this, aloe vera is loved for its hydrating properties. Let's look at aloe's many benefits and how you can include it in your daily routine.

The thick, sticky gel in aloe leaves contains powerful bioactive compounds, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants.

Aloe vera is also known for its healing properties. Its antibacterial, antiviral, and antiseptic properties may help heal wounds and treat skin problems. It can also be used as a topical treatment for first- and second-degree burns.

Tip adapted from Medical News Today⁸

I sleep by day and fly by night, with no feathers to aid my flight. What am I?

Last Week's Riddle: What comes at the end of a rainbow?

Answer: The letter W.

Vanessa Virginiensis (American Lady Butterfly)

Eastampton, NJ, United States

Footnotes And Sources

^{1. WSJ.com, March 27, 2026}
^{2. Investing.com, March 27, 2026}
^{3. CNBC.com, March 16, 2026}
^{4. CNBC.com, March 24, 2026}
^{5. WSJ.com, March 27, 2026}
^{6. CNBC.com, March 19, 2026}
^{7. IRS.gov, June 23, 2025}
^{8. Medicalnewstoday.com, August 27, 2025}

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