Market Slump Deepens as Geopolitical Tensions and Fed Hawkishness Push Indexes to 2026 Lows

The U.S. stock market faced another grueling session on Thursday, March 19, 2026, as a combination of intensifying geopolitical conflict in the Middle East and a recalcitrant Federal Reserve sent major benchmarks to their lowest levels of the year. Investors grappled with the dual threats of "stagflation" as energy prices surged following new military developments, while economic data suggested that inflation remains stubbornly above the central bank's target.Major Market Indexes PerformanceAt the closing b ...