On Wednesday, March 12, 2026, the S&P 500 Index fell 0.08%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average decreased 0.61%, while the Nasdaq 100 Index saw a slight rise of 0.03%. Significant market pressures stemmed from a 6 basis point increase in the 10-year T-note yield and a notable 4.6% increase in WTI crude oil prices, despite the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) decision to release 400 million barrels from emergency stockpiles.
The CPI report indicated a monthly increase of 0.3% and an annual rise of 2.4%. However, inflation is anticipated to worsen due to heightened oil prices linked to the ongoing conflict in Iran. Over 95% of S&P 500 companies have reported Q4 earnings, with 74% exceeding expectations and an expected earnings growth of 8.4%. Meanwhile, JPMorgan Chase announced restrictions on lending to private credit funds amidst sector struggles, further complicating the $1.8 trillion market.
Overseas markets displayed mixed results; the Euro Stoxx 50 fell 1.00%, while Japan’s Nikkei 225 increased 1.43%. The yields on European government bonds rose sharply, reflecting global economic pressures. Looking ahead, the chance of a rate cut at the upcoming FOMC meeting on March 17-18 is projected at 0%.
