Investing News and Headlines

Stocks Sell Off, Yields Rise, Energy Surges on War in Middle East (253)

The Feb. 28 outbreak of war in the Middle East sparked a broad equity sell‑off during the March 2‑6 week, while energy stocks were the only sector to post gains, rising about 1 %. Treasury yields climbed across the curve, except for a rally in three‑month T‑bills, and bank loan spreads turned positive. Commodity indexes surged, led by a 25 % jump in the energy complex and a 50 % spike in European diesel deliveries. Meanwhile, ISM reports remained expansionary, but February payrolls fell despite a resolved healthcare strike.