Fragile Market Relief Dissipates as Energy Shocks and Geopolitical Tensions Persist

Stocks turn jittery and oil prices climb as President Trump’s postponement of strikes on Iran fails to provide lasting market relief or reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 24, 2026, 6:45 AM EDT

Source: Reuters

Equity Markets: Asia Gains While Western Futures Slump

Asian markets saw a catch-up rally on Tuesday, reacting to the overnight dip in volatility before the sentiment soured. However, the outlook for Western markets remains bleak as the reality of a prolonged conflict sets in.

Asia-Pacific: MSCI’s broadest index outside Japan rose 1.3%; Tokyo's Nikkei advanced 0.95%.

Europe: EUROSTOXX 50 futures fell 1%, with FTSE futures down 0.47%.

United States: S&P 500 futures fell 0.56%, while Nasdaq futures saw a significant 6% slide.

The divergence suggests that while regional markets are processing local data, global investors are pricing in a sustained period of high-risk premiums.