Markets Tumble as Shocking Jobs Report and Rising Oil Prices Ignite Stagflation Fears

The U.S. stock market opened sharply lower on Friday, March 6th, 2026, as investors grappled with a "worst-case scenario" combination of a deteriorating labor market and surging energy costs. The major indexes faced immediate selling pressure following a disastrous February employment report that caught Wall Street completely off guard, reigniting fears of stagflation—a toxic mix of stagnant economic growth and high inflation.Major Indexes Face Steep Opening DeclinesThe market opening was marked by signific ...