Insights

Stocks fell sharply last week, with each of the benchmark indexes posting declines as rising energy prices, tensions in the Middle East, and renewed stagflation fears dampened risk sentiment.

Oil prices have surged due to conflict-related risks around the Strait of Hormuz, temporarily interrupting a macro environment that had been trending in a favorable direction.

Wall Street saw a third straight week of losses as rising oil prices sparked inflation fears. Each of the benchmark indexes listed here declined as investors moved away from risk.

Stocks ended last week sharply lower, impacted by renewed inflation and geopolitical events. Each of the benchmark indexes listed here ended the week lower, while crude oil prices surged to the highest levels since August 2022, as intensifying tensions in the Middle East disrupted global energy trade.

The last week of the month proved to be a tough one for Wall Street. Each of the benchmark indexes listed here closed the week lower, impacted by stubborn inflation and a cooling of major tech and AI stocks.

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U.S. equities spent most of last week trending lower, ultimately rebounding in a major way last Friday to close the week higher.

Several industries, led by software, have sold off significantly year to date, as investors assess the impact of artificial intelligence on established business models. While some companies will face genuine pressure, the initial market response is often indiscriminate—pricing in disruption broadly before fully understanding the scope and timing of new innovations. Over time, the market will distinguish between structural losers and firms that successfully adapt and continue