Market Volatility Surges as Quadruple Witching and Geopolitical Tensions Pressure Major Indexes

Midday Market Momentum and Index PerformanceU.S. equity markets are experiencing a volatile Friday session as investors grapple with a combination of geopolitical instability and technical market pressures. As of midday on March 20, 2026, the major indexes are largely in the red, putting Wall Street on track for its fourth consecutive losing week—the longest such streak in over a year. The midday trading pattern has been characterized by sharp gyrations, exacerbated by today’s "quadruple witching" event, wh ...