March 4, 2026 — Today’s Market News — Gold and Silver Rally as Risk Fears Return — Silver Surges 3.3%, Gold Up 1.3%.
Rupee hits record 92/$ as oil fears rise; Blackstone falls 3.8% after $3.7B withdrawals.
Markets turned defensive as Middle East tensions pushed oil above $80/bbl, reviving inflation fears. Stocks fell, VIX jumped to 23.6, the rupee slid to 92/$, while safe-haven demand lifted gold 1.35% and silver 3.35%.
Today’s Snapshot
• Nasdaq Composite: 22,748.86 (−232.17 pts, −1.02%)
• FTSE 100: 10,484.13 (−302.18 pts, −2.75%)
• S&P 500: 6,811.62 (−64.99 pts, −0.94%)
• Gold: $5,088.65/oz (+1.35%)
• Silver: $82.05/oz (+3.35%)
Global Markets
(A) Precious Metals
Gold: $5,164.42/oz (+1.5%)
Gold rose as risk-off hedging returned amid escalating geopolitical uncertainty, even as the dollar stayed firm.
Silver: $84.86/oz (+3.4%)
Silver outperformed, rising sharply as it rebounded alongside gold and benefited from renewed hedging demand.
(B) Energy
Brent Crude Oil: $81.40/bbl (+2.0%)
Oil prices rose as the U.S.–Israel conflict with Iran disrupted energy supply in the Middle East. Iran has targeted ships near the Strait of Hormuz, a key route that carries about 20% of the world’s oil,
Adding to the pressure, Iraq — the second-largest oil producer in OPEC — has cut output by about 1.5 million barrels per day, nearly half of its production, due to storage limits and export disruptions, tightening global supply further.
(C) FX
Dollar Index (DXY): 99.208 (+0.1%)
The dollar stayed firm as investors moved to safe assets during the market selloff. Higher oil prices also raised inflation concerns, which may delay interest rate cuts and support the dollar.
USD/INR: 92.30 (-0.9%)
The Indian rupee fell to a record low of 92 per dollar as the Middle East conflict pushed oil prices higher and triggered risk aversion in global markets. India imports more than 80% of its crude oil, so rising energy prices increase inflation and pressure the country’s current account balance.
(D) Stock Market — What Happened Today
U.S equities
- Nasdaq Composite: 22,748.86 (−232.17 pts, −1.02%)
- S&P 500: 6,811.62 (−64.99 pts, −0.94%)
U.S. Indexes fell as the Middle East conflict pushed oil prices higher, raising fears of higher inflation. Higher inflation could delay interest rate cuts, which pressured stock markets.
Major Movers:
Blackstone (−3.82%) — The stock fell after investors withdrew money from its flagship BCRED (Blackstone Private Credit Fund). Clients requested about $3.7 billion in withdrawals in Q1 2026, equal to 7.9% of the $82 billion fund, as concerns grew about valuation, transparency, and rising risks in the $2 trillion private credit industry and problems at rival lender Blue Owl Capital.
United Kingdom
FTSE 100: 10,484.13 (−302.18 pts, −2.75%)
UK stocks fell sharply as the Middle East conflict pushed oil prices higher and increased global market uncertainty. Investors also reduced risk positions as fears of higher inflation and slower economic growth increased.
HSBC (−1.49%) — Banking stocks fell as rising oil prices increased inflation fears and reduced expectations for Bank of England rate cuts.
IAG (−0.90%) — The airline owner of British Airways fell after canceling flights to the Middle East and providing passengers the option to rebook or claim a refund due to the war tensions.
Volatility & Positioning
Volatility & Positioning
VIX closed at 23.57, indicating elevated market uncertainty.
What Traders Are Watching
- Oil and energy supply risk — further disruption risk can intensify inflation fears and keep rate-cut expectations pushed out.
- Volatility regime and liquidity — whether VIX holds above the low-20s will influence deleveraging and intraday stability.
- USD/JPY and policy sensitivity — sustained moves around the high-150s keep Japan-intervention risk and cross-asset hedging flows in focus.
Yesterday’s Market News — March 3, 2026
Global markets weakened as Middle East tensions pushed oil higher. Brent crude rose 2.57%, while South Korea’s KOSPI plunged 7.24% and Japan’s Nikkei fell 3.06%. The U.S. dollar strengthened and the S&P 500 edged up 0.04%.
Catch up on: Oil Surge Triggers Market Shock: KOSPI Plunges 7.24%, Nikkei Slides 3.06%
Disclaimer:
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, financial guidance, or a solicitation to buy or sell any financial instruments. Market data and figures are subject to change without notice. Trading leveraged or complex products involves significant risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Please ensure you fully understand the risks involved before trading.
Terms and conditions apply, for full terms and conditions, please visit centrinocapital.com