The S&P 500 lost 1.89%, while the Nasdaq fell 2.07%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 2.11%. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, dropped 2.01%.1,2
Markets Under Pressure
Stocks rebounded to start the week while oil prices eased. Investors kept one eye on potential bargains and the other on the Middle East conflict. Reports of a coalition of countries possibly joining to escort tankers out of the Persian Gulf also gave investors something to cheer.3
Stocks continued their rebound as investors cautiously awaited more developments in the conflict. Markets largely looked past attacks on tanker ships in and around the Strait of Hormuz, through which one out of every five barrels of the world’s oil exports pass.4
An unexpectedly warm wholesale inflation reading and the Fed’s decision to hold interest rates steady contributed to pressure on stock prices.
Stocks continued their slide on Thursday, albeit at a slower pace, as optimism that the Strait of Hormuz would reopen soon began to wane. However, markets managed to curb losses in a late-day relief rally.5,6
Stocks opened lower on the final trading day of the week but stabilized midday. However, after Iran declared force majeure on all foreign-owned oilfields later in the session, stocks came under pressure again as the week closed out.7
Fed Funds Rate Unchanged
The Federal Reserve held the Fed funds rate steady at the current 3.5 to 3.75 percent target range. In his press conference, Fed Chair Powell said inflation wasn’t declining as much as policymakers had hoped or projected. The Fed’s “dot plot” (voting members’ medium- to long-term projections on GDP, inflation, and employment) suggests that an adjustment to rates before year-end may still be on the table.8
Economic Data To Watch
Monday:Construction Spending* (Jan).
Tuesday:Productivity* (Q4, revised). PMI—Services. PMI—Manufacturing.
Wednesday:Import Prices.
Thursday:Weekly Jobless Claims.
Friday:Consumer Sentiment (final).
* indicates federal data release delayed by the government shutdown
Source: Investors Business Daily - Econoday economic calendar; March 20, 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.
Upcoming Earnings Reports
Wednesday: Cintas Corporation (CTAS).
Friday:Carnival Corporation (CCL)
Source: Zacks, March 20, 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.
Footnotes And Sources1. WSJ.com, March 20, 2026
2. Investing.com, March 20, 2026
3. CNBC.com, March 16, 2026
4. CNBC.com, March 17, 2026
5. WSJ.com, March 18, 2026
6. CNBC.com, March 19, 2026
7. CNBC.com, March 19, 2026
8. WSJ.com, March 18, 2026
Source: YCharts.com, March 21, 2026. Weekly performance is measured from Monday, March 16, to Friday, March 20. 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.