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Asia-Pacific markets mixed as oil hovers near $100 on U.S.-Iran tensions

Asia-Pacific stocks traded in different directions on March 16, 2026, with investors gauging the impact of crude near $100 a barrel, elevated geopolitical risk, and the approaching Q1 earnings season on inflation, rates, and margins.

Mar 22, 2026 | 838

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Markets

Crude Holds Above $100 for Second Day as Traders Look Past U.S. Price Measures

Global crude benchmarks settled above $100 for a second straight session, with markets prioritizing Middle East risk over U.S. efforts to cool energy costs. Comments from President Donald Trump suggesting no quick end to the conflict involving Iran kept geopolitical premiums in focus.

Mar 22, 2026 | 856

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Markets

Asia-Pacific stocks slide as Hormuz shutdown threat deepens geopolitical risk

Asian markets fell after Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said the Strait of Hormuz should remain shut, intensifying energy-supply concerns and heightening uncertainty over a prolonged conflict in the Middle East.

Mar 18, 2026 | 990

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Markets

Microsoft’s longtime Office leader Rajesh Jha to retire after 35+ years

Microsoft said Rajesh Jha, the veteran executive who helped bring its AI assistant to Office customers, is retiring after more than three decades. The leadership change arrives as markets track how Big Tech steers AI across core productivity software.

Mar 18, 2026 | 988

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Markets

Cramer urges investors to stay the course as Iran-related volatility rattles markets

CNBC's Jim Cramer cautioned against panic selling amid market swings tied to tensions involving Iran, urging investors to focus on earnings, inflation, and rates rather than headlines.

Mar 18, 2026 | 1028

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Markets

Trump says U.S. struck military targets on Iran’s Kharg Island, spared oil infrastructure

In a Truth Social post, former President Donald Trump said he directed U.S. Central Command to carry out strikes on military targets on Iran’s Kharg Island while avoiding key oil facilities. The statement puts a spotlight on potential market risks tied to energy supply and regional tensions.

Mar 18, 2026 | 1035

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Markets

Oil Security Risks Narrow U.S. Options to Tame Prices as Strait of Hormuz Tensions Rise

With Iran-related threats to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz raising supply risks, traditional U.S. tools to cool oil prices—like strategic reserve releases—offer limited relief. Markets are watching maritime security, OPEC+ policy, and freight costs to gauge inflation and rate implications.

Mar 18, 2026 | 1033

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Markets

Markets Scale Back Fed Rate-Cut Bets as Energy Costs Revive Inflation Anxiety

Rising energy prices and renewed inflation concerns are chipping away at expectations for Federal Reserve interest-rate cuts this year, prompting investors to reassess stocks, bonds, and crypto positioning.

Mar 18, 2026 | 967

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Markets

U.S. Grants Temporary Leeway to Buy Russian Oil Already at Sea to Steady Energy Markets

Washington has issued a time-limited authorization allowing purchases of Russian crude already in transit, aiming to ease near-term supply tightness and stabilize energy markets without lifting broader sanctions.

Mar 18, 2026 | 919

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