Markets Pare Losses Amid Geopolitical Volatility and Hawkish Fed Outlook

U.S. equity markets experienced a volatile session on Thursday, March 19, 2026, as investors grappled with intensifying geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East and a recalibrated interest rate outlook from the Federal Reserve. While major indexes opened sharply lower following reports of escalated hostilities between Israel and Iran, a late-session recovery helped pare significant losses. The day’s trading was characterized by a "flight to safety" in the energy sector, while technology and industrial stoc ...