Trump's Approval Rating Dips Amid Economic and Iran War Concerns A recent poll reveals President Donald Trump’s approval rating has hit a new low, reflecting growing public dissatisfaction with the economy and the ongoing conflict with Iran. The NBC News Decision Desk poll, released April 19, 2026, found that 63% of adults disapprove of Trump’s performance as president, marking his lowest approval rating since he assumed office in January 2025. Conversely, 37% of respondents approve of his leadership. The survey, conducted between March 30 and April 13, included a national sample of 32,433 adults aged 18 and older, with a margin of error of ±1.8 percentage points. The decline in approval is largely attributed to worsening public sentiment over the economy and the U.S. involvement in the joint war on Iran. The poll highlights that economic concerns have become a central issue for voters, with 29% of respondents identifying it as the most pressing issue, followed by 24% who cited threats to democracy. Disapproval of Trump’s handling of inflation and the cost of living has surged, with 68% of respondents expressing disapproval, compared to 32% who approve. Notably, 52% of Americans “strongly disapprove” of his economic management, a 7-point increase from August 2025. The Iran war has also drawn significant criticism. Two-thirds of respondents (67%) disapprove of Trump’s handling of the conflict, with 54% expressing “strong disapproval.” Only 33% approve of his approach, and just 19% strongly support the war. The poll underscores a growing divide within the Republican base, as younger Republicans increasingly question the war’s justification. This sentiment is echoed in other recent surveys, which show a similar pattern of declining approval tied to economic struggles and the Middle East conflict.#midterm_elections #united_states #iran_war #donald_trump #nbc_news
Why Oil and Gas Prices Could Stay High in Europe Even If the Iran War Ends The recent ceasefire between the United States and Iran has not yet led to a significant drop in energy prices across Europe, despite the end of hostilities. Analysts warn that the region’s reliance on global energy markets and the lingering effects of supply disruptions mean high prices are likely to persist for months, if not years. The International Energy Agency (IEA) highlights that the strikes on Gulf oil infrastructure caused the largest supply disruption in global oil history, with long-term consequences for both gas and crude oil markets. While the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, was reopened as part of the ceasefire, Europe’s energy prices remain elevated due to a combination of factors, including reduced production, damaged infrastructure, and ongoing uncertainty. Europe’s energy dependence on global markets is a key driver of its current situation. Although the region sources only a small fraction of its oil and gas directly through the Strait of Hormuz—around 4% of its daily needs, compared to the EU’s total requirement of 13 million barrels per day—the closure of the strait during the conflict disrupted global supply chains. The IEA notes that nearly 15 million barrels of crude oil passed through the strait daily in 2025, with the Gulf’s production cuts and damaged facilities contributing to a 10% reduction in global oil supply. Even with the ceasefire, the IEA estimates that Gulf countries have cut production by at least 10 million barrels per day, exacerbating supply shortages. The impact on European energy prices is evident in both oil and gas markets.#iran_war #strait_of_hormuz #international_energy_agency #gulf_oil_infrastructure #qatar_ras_laffan
March CPI: What to Expect from the First US Inflation Report Since the Iran War Began The Consumer Price Index for March, set to be released at 8:30 a.m. Friday, is expected to show that U.S. inflation surged sharply as a direct result of the Middle East war’s energy shock. Economists anticipate prices will rise 0.9% from February, more than triple the pace seen in January. This would push the annual inflation rate to 3.4%, up from 2.4% in February. Such an increase would not only bring inflation back to levels not seen in nearly two years but also nearly erase Americans’ pay gains of 3.5% in 2025. Elise Gould, a senior economist at the Economic Policy Institute, told CNN, “We’ll definitely see elevated prices eating away at people’s paychecks.” The ceasefire reached earlier this week eased some fears that the conflict could escalate further or resolve quickly, but uncertainty remains. The war’s inflationary effects are expected to persist as energy price shocks ripple through the economy. Even before the war, inflation was already elevated, driven by tariff-related price hikes on goods and strong consumer demand for services. Dean Baker, senior economist at the Center for Economic and Policy Research, noted, “Inflation pressures were already building before the war and are now intensifying.” The war’s impact is expected to accelerate inflation in the coming months as its aftershocks extend beyond gas prices. Sharply rising energy and gas prices are projected to be the primary drivers of March’s inflation spike. Samuel Tombs, chief U.S. economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics, told CNN that gas prices are expected to rise 23% in March, the highest monthly increase on record for the index.#iran_war #consumer_price_index #economic_policy_institute #center_for_economic_and_policy_research #pantheon_macroeconomics
Rupee Seen Range-Bound Near 93; 95 a Trigger for Action, 100 Not in Sight, Govt Sources Say The Indian rupee has weakened by over 4% since the outbreak of the Iran war, with rising crude oil prices exacerbating the pressure on the currency. On April 7, 2026, the rupee was trading around 93 per dollar, fluctuating within a narrow range of 92.9 to 93.3 during the day. Analysts and government officials suggest the currency is likely to remain within the 92.5 to 94 range in the near term, with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) prioritizing volatility control over defending a specific exchange rate. The decline in the rupee has been driven by a combination of geopolitical tensions and global energy market dynamics. The conflict in Iran has disrupted oil supply chains, pushing crude prices to record highs and increasing import costs for India, a major oil importer. Despite this, officials remain cautious about overreacting, emphasizing that the rupee’s slide is unlikely to accelerate significantly in the short term. RBI Governor and senior officials have indicated that while the central bank will take measures to stabilize the currency, it does not intend to target a specific level for the rupee. Instead, the focus is on managing market volatility and ensuring macroeconomic stability. This approach reflects a broader strategy to avoid excessive intervention, which could lead to unintended consequences such as inflationary pressures or capital outflows. Government sources suggest that a potential break below 95 per dollar could trigger more aggressive policy responses, including adjustments to interest rates or foreign exchange interventions.#india #crude_oil_prices #iran_war #reserve_bank_of_india #rbi_governor
Pakistan Labor Crisis: Iran War Halts Gulf Exports, Threatens Jobs and Economy The ongoing Iran war has triggered a severe labor crisis in Pakistan, disrupting labor exports to Gulf nations and endangering the livelihoods of millions of workers. The situation has escalated as demand for Pakistani labor in the Middle East has plummeted, raising concerns about the country’s economic stability. Pakistan, which relies heavily on remittances from overseas workers, now faces a potential decline in foreign currency inflows, exacerbating its already fragile economic landscape. The crisis has been compounded by a surge in energy prices, with the government hiking fuel costs to unprecedented levels. This has further strained the economy, pushing inflation to record highs and increasing poverty rates. According to recent data, over 43.5% of Pakistan’s population now lives in poverty, a stark indicator of the nation’s deteriorating economic conditions. The labor export sector, which has long been a cornerstone of Pakistan’s economy, is now under severe pressure. Previously, thousands of workers were sent annually to Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, where they contributed significantly to the country’s foreign exchange reserves. However, the war in Iran has disrupted regional markets, leading to a sharp decline in job opportunities for Pakistani workers. Experts estimate that the number of workers sent to these countries could drop by half, with the potential loss of up to 80,000 jobs annually. This decline has had immediate consequences for Pakistan’s economy. The country’s reliance on remittances has been a critical factor in maintaining its balance of payments, but the reduction in labor exports threatens to destabilize this system.#pakistan #iran_war #gulf_nations #world_bank #saeed_javed_hasan
Michael Burry: The Stock Market is 'Trump's Kryptonite' Veteran investor Michael Burry has argued that President Donald Trump’s approach to the Iran war is deeply influenced by the stock market, describing it as “Trump’s kryptonite.” According to Yahoo Finance, Burry, known for his role in the “Big Short” investment strategy, believes the market’s movements play a critical role in shaping Washington’s decisions to escalate or de-escalate the conflict. He claims Trump is acutely aware of how market declines could destabilize his political and economic agenda, leading him to prioritize a swift exit from the war to avoid further financial turmoil. Burry’s perspective highlights the growing interplay between financial markets and political decision-making. He suggested that Trump’s strategy in the Iran conflict is driven by a desire to prevent a significant stock-market sell-off, which could undermine his economic policies and public support. In a Substack post, Burry emphasized that the stock market acts as a “pressure gauge” for leaders, with negative market reactions to uncertainty compelling political figures to de-escalate conflicts more rapidly. This dynamic has become increasingly evident as the Iran war has disrupted global economic stability. The conflict has had immediate and far-reaching effects on the global economy, particularly through its impact on oil prices. Threats to oil shipping routes have driven crude prices higher, contributing to elevated petrol costs and prolonged inflationary pressures. Austan Goolsbee, President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, noted the situation’s unpredictability, stating there is no clarity on how the Middle East conflict will evolve or how long it will last. This uncertainty has amplified volatility in global stock markets, with the S&P 500 fluctuating sharply.#iran_war #s_p_500 #donald_trump #austan_goolsbee #michael_burry
Big Short Legend Steve Eisman Says Iran War Is Running The Entire Stock Market Right Now Steve Eisman, the portfolio manager made famous by The Big Short, has shifted his stance on the impact of the Iran war on global markets, calling the conflict a “unipolar market” in a recent episode of his podcast The Real Eisman Playbook. This marks a significant departure from his earlier optimism, as he previously told CNBC in early March that the war would be “very, very positive” and that he wouldn’t alter his investment positions. However, the rapid escalation of tensions and the surge in oil prices have since altered his perspective. Brent crude, a key benchmark for global oil, has surged to nearly $113 per barrel, marking a 55% increase in March—the largest monthly gain in the contract’s history. This surpasses the 46% spike recorded during the first Gulf War in September 1990. The Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund, which tracks energy stocks, is the only S&P 500 sector showing positive performance this month, while the United States Oil Fund has mirrored the historic rise in crude prices. Eisman’s comments highlight how the conflict has become a dominant force in shaping market dynamics, with energy prices serving as a barometer for geopolitical risk. Prediction markets have also reflected the uncertainty surrounding the conflict. On Polymarket, bettors are giving 71% odds that U.S. forces will enter Iran by April 30, signaling a likely escalation in hostilities. Conversely, a separate contract on regime change in Iran before 2027 sits at just 34%, indicating that traders are pricing in a prolonged conflict rather than a swift resolution.#iran_war #polymarket #steve_eisman #the_big_short #council_on_foreign_relations
Biggest Surge In 12.5 Years: How RBI Is Saving Rupee From Iran War Jitters The Indian rupee experienced its most significant gain in over 12 years on Thursday, surging 1.3 percent to around Rs 93.53 per dollar. This marked the strongest rally since September 2013, driven by the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) aggressive measures to counter the currency’s earlier decline. The rupee had previously hit record lows against the US dollar, exacerbated by global factors such as rising oil prices and the ongoing Iran conflict. Despite these challenges, the RBI’s interventions stabilized the market, reversing months of pressure on the currency. The rupee’s sharp decline earlier in the year was attributed to heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which disrupted global oil markets and increased inflationary pressures. As oil prices climbed, the rupee weakened further, falling below the critical 95 mark against the dollar. However, the RBI’s decisive actions in the past weeks have since reversed this trend, with the currency’s rebound reflecting the central bank’s efforts to restore confidence. The RBI’s strategy involved a series of targeted measures aimed at curbing speculative activity and stabilizing the forex market. Key steps included capping banks’ open foreign exchange (FX) positions at $100 million to limit excessive speculative bets. Additionally, the central bank banned banks from offering rupee non-deliverable forwards (NDFs), which had been used to exploit the price gap between onshore and offshore markets. This move was designed to prevent offshore-onshore arbitrage, a major driver of volatility. Another critical measure was the prohibition of re-booking cancelled forward contracts.#iran_war #reserve_bank_of_india #rupee #foreign_exchange_reserves #siddharth_maurya
सोने की कीमत में गिरावट: ₹1 लाख के नीचे जा सकता है, 85300 रुपये तक पहुंच संभव सोने की कीमत में ऐतिहासिक गिरावट के आंकड़े दिखाते हैं कि भविष्य में इसकी कीमत अपने रिकॉर्ड हाई से लगभग 50% तक गिर सकती है। अगर यह आंकड़ा सच होता है, तो सोने की कीमत लगभग 2,800-3,000 डॉलर तक पहुंच जाएगी, जो भारतीय रुपयों में 85,300 से 91,400 रुपये प्रति 10 ग्राम तक हो सकती है। ऐतिहासिक गिरावट के कारण 1974-1976 के दौर में मुद्रास्फीति में कमी, ब्याज दरों में वृद्धि, मजबूत आर्थिक विकास और डॉलर के मजबूत होने के कारण सोने की कीमत में गिरावट आई। मिडिल ईस्ट में तेल संकट के स्थिर होने और वियतनाम युद्ध की समाप्ति के बाद भू-राजनीतिक जोखिमों में कमी भी कारण बनी। 1980 के दशक में अगस्त 1976 से सितंबर 1980 के बीच 541% की बढ़ोतरी के बाद, सितंबर 1980 से जून 1982 के बीच सोने की कीमतें 52% टूट गईं। ब्याज दरों में बढ़ोतरी और मजबूत डॉलर के कारण यह गिरावट हुई। 1999-2011 के दौर में अगस्त 1999 से अगस्त 2011 के बीच सोने की कीमत में 612% की बढ़ोतरी हुई, जो 1971 के बाद से सबसे लंबी तेजी थी। लेकिन अगस्त 2011 के अंत से दिसंबर 2015 तक इसमें 42% की गिरावट आई। 2026 में क्या हो सकता है? वर्तमान में सोने की कीमत मार्च से जून 2025 के बीच इन गिरावट के स्तर पर रही है। कई बाजार विशेषज्ञ 3,600 डॉलर के स्तर की ओर इशारा कर रहे हैं। ईरान युद्ध के बाद सोने को तेल की ऊंची कीमतों के कारण चुनौतियों का सामना करना पड़ रहा है। तेल की ऊंची कीमतें अमेरिकी डॉलर को मजबूत कर रही हैं और मुद्रास्फीति को बढ़ा रही हैं। इसलिए, अमेरिकी फेड ब्याज दरों में कटौती न करे तो सोने के लिए नेगेटिव रहेगा। निष्कर्ष सोने की कीमत में ऐतिहासिक गिरावट के आंकड़े दिखाते हैं कि भविष्य में इसकी कीमत अपने रिकॉर्ड हाई से लगभग 50% तक गिर सकती है। इसके कारण भारतीय रुपयों में सोने की कीमत 85,300 से 91,400 रुपये प्रति 10 ग्राम तक पहुंच सकती है।#india #iran_war #us_dollar #federal_reserve #gold_price
Used EV Sales Surge in Europe Amid Iran War-Driven Petrol Price Hikes Petrol price spikes caused by the ongoing war in Iran are fueling a rise in used electric vehicle (EV) sales across Europe, according to online car platforms. The conflict, which began on February 28, has disrupted a critical oil shipping route, contributing to a 12% increase in average petrol prices in the European Union. The cost of petrol rose to 1.84 euros per litre, up from 1.64 euros in early February, according to European Commission data. Analysts and car marketplaces report a notable shift in consumer behavior as high fuel costs push buyers toward EVs. Terje Dahlgren, an analyst at Norway’s Finn.no, noted that used EVs have overtaken diesel models as the best-selling fuel type on his platform. French online retailer Aramisauto, majority-owned by Stellantis, reported its share of EV sales nearly doubling between February 16 and March 9, reaching 12.7% from 6.5%. CEO Romain Boscher linked the surge to rising petrol prices, stating that crossing the 2-euro-per-litre threshold has significantly influenced consumer decisions. The trend is evident in multiple European markets. In France, MG, a Chinese EV brand, is promoting its vehicles with ads urging consumers to "rethink the way you drive." Meanwhile, Amsterdam-based Olx reported a surge in EV inquiries across France, Romania, Portugal, and Poland, with growth accelerating week-over-week. Used EV sales in the UK also spiked, peaking above 1,100 cars per day after the war began, according to Marketcheck data. The shift is driven by both cost and availability. Used EVs are up to 40% cheaper than new models and are immediately available, unlike new cars that often require months of delivery.#iran_war #european_union #stellantis #finn_no #marketcheck
"Lockdown in India" among top searches today The spike in searches for "lockdown in India" appears to be primarily driven by memories of March 24, 2020, when the prime minister announced a complete Covid lockdown. The surge in queries also reflects heightened interest in the ongoing Iran war, which has sparked renewed discussions about national security and global tensions. Updated on: Mar 25, 2026 8:13 AM IST. Edited by Nayanika Sengupta.#prime_minister #india #iran_war #nayanika_sengupta #covid_lockdown
Candidates Chaos: Humpy Koneru Considers Pulling Out Over Iran War Fears FIDE CEO Emil Sutovsky downplayed concerns about the safety of the 2026 Candidates tournament in Cyprus, assuring fans that the event would proceed despite recent regional tensions. The organization had previously addressed worries about the war in Iran and its impact on the Mediterranean, noting that the tournament would be closely monitored but unlikely to be affected. However, this confidence was challenged when Humpy Koneru, a prominent Indian women’s chess grandmaster, voiced her hesitations about participating. Koneru, a two-time Women’s World Rapid Champion and former world title challenger, expressed concerns over the escalating conflict in the region. She highlighted the ongoing drone strikes in Cyprus and the broader instability caused by the war between Israel and Lebanon, involving Hezbollah. “I am a bit hesitant to travel because of this,” she said. “If the situation continues like this, I am really doubtful of my participation.” Koneru emphasized the importance of a safe and stable environment for such a high-profile event. “You should be in a position to play the game in a peaceful and good atmosphere,” she stated. “Not surrounded by bomb or missile sirens. You don’t need to be desperate to hold events in such environments.” She questioned the necessity of holding the tournament in Cyprus, given the risks posed by the ongoing conflict. “When there is a 10 or 20 per cent risk in playing in Cyprus, what was the necessity to hold the event in that place?” she asked. The 38-year-old player, who took a break from competitive chess to start a family, returned to the sport with renewed strength. Her concerns reflect broader anxieties among top players about the safety of traveling to the island.#iran_war #cyprus #fide_ceo #emil_sutovsky #humpy_koneru
Gold Price Drops Following Fed's Rate Decision Gold prices declined on Thursday as the Federal Reserve maintained its interest rate policy, with the metal’s April futures opening at $4,828 per troy ounce, a 1.4% drop from Wednesday’s close of $4,896.20. Early trading saw the price fall below $4,700, reflecting market reactions to the Fed’s latest economic outlook. The central bank’s decision to leave rates unchanged followed its March policymaking meeting, with the Summary of Economic Projections (SEP) indicating a median forecast of one rate cut in 2026, unchanged from the previous December forecast. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell highlighted the potential impact of the Iran war on global oil supply, warning that the conflict could lead to higher inflation and, in turn, reduced spending and employment. He emphasized the tension between inflation risks and a weak labor market, noting that the Fed typically raises rates to combat inflation and lowers them to stimulate economic activity. Gold, which does not generate interest, tends to perform poorly in high-rate environments, as investors shift toward assets offering higher returns. The current gold price movement contrasts with historical trends, as the one-month decline of 3.7% and the one-year drop of 59.1% mark a significant reversal from earlier gains. Gold’s year-over-year growth has not been this low since early February, while its peak growth of 95.6% occurred on January 29. Analysts suggest that the metal’s recent underperformance may be tied to the Fed’s dovish stance and expectations of future rate cuts, which reduce the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets like gold. For investors, the decision to allocate funds to gold depends on broader economic conditions.#gold #iran_war #federal_reserve #jerome_powell #fed
Iran War Has U.S. Farmers Worried About the Cost and Availability of Fertilizer BISMARCK, N.D. — Tennessee farmer Todd Littleton expects to pay $100,000 more for fertilizer this season, a 40% increase from last year’s bill, due to the war in Iran. The surge in costs has left him scrambling to cover the extra expense, especially after years of financial strain from record losses. “We’re so strained financially coming into this issue,” Littleton said. “Everyone’s kind of grabbing at straws anyway, and then to have input prices increase yet again—it just couldn’t happen at a worse time.” Littleton, who grows corn, soybeans, and wheat, is among thousands of U.S. farmers facing higher fertilizer costs this spring. Nitrogen-based fertilizer, critical for corn production—which is the nation’s largest crop and a key component of livestock feed and fuel—is now more expensive than expected. The war between the U.S. and Israel, which began on Feb. 28, has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for 20% of global oil and natural gas. This slowdown has raised fuel prices, a key input for fertilizer production, and halted the export of nitrogen fertilizers from the Persian Gulf. About 15% of U.S. fertilizer imports come from the Middle East, and the region supplies roughly half the world’s urea and 30% of ammonia, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation. “When the ports started raising nitrogen prices due to the conflict and shipping concerns, that directly affects me here on the farm,” Littleton said. Some farmers may not find fertilizer at all, warned Zippy Duvall, president of the American Farm Bureau Federation.#iran_war #strait_of_hormuz #todd_littonton #american_farm_bureau_federation #zippy_duvall
Federal Reserve Maintains Interest Rates Amid Rising Inflation and Geopolitical Uncertainty The Federal Reserve decided to keep its benchmark interest rate unchanged, maintaining a target range of 3.5% to 3.75% during its latest meeting. Policymakers indicated that a potential rate cut could occur later this year, as reflected in the “dot plot” of projections from Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) members. However, the decision came amid heightened uncertainty due to the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict, which has driven oil prices to record levels and complicated inflation forecasts. Oil prices surged to over $109 per barrel during the week, fueled by supply disruptions in the Middle East. This spike has raised concerns about inflation, as the producer price index for February showed stronger-than-expected increases. Futures markets now suggest that any rate cuts may be delayed until at least December, according to CME Group’s FedWatch tool. Investors closely monitored Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s press conference, where he addressed the central bank’s outlook on inflation, economic progress, and the broader implications of the war. Powell emphasized that while the U.S. economy remains resilient, the long-term effects of the conflict are unpredictable. “We don’t know what the effects of this will be,” he stated, noting that no one has a clear understanding of how the war will impact economic conditions. He also acknowledged that the Fed’s progress on reducing inflation has been slower than anticipated, with the central bank projecting only modest improvements this year. “We will be making progress on inflation, not as much as we had hoped, but some progress,” Powell said, highlighting the need for continued monitoring of inflationary pressures.#iran_war #federal_reserve #jerome_powell #fomc #cme_group
Riyadh Residents Receive First Phone Alerts Warning of Hostile Threat Amid Iran War Residents of Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh, experienced an unusual and alarming event as several loud explosions were reported across the city. According to a Reuters witness based in Riyadh, some residents received phone alerts for the first time, warning them of a potential hostile aerial threat. The alerts, which are part of a new security measure, were issued in response to the escalating tensions in the region amid the ongoing conflict with Iran. The incident has raised concerns about the security situation in the area, with officials and residents alike expressing unease over the possibility of targeted attacks. While the exact nature of the threat remains unclear, the use of phone alerts marks a significant development in the region’s approach to safeguarding civilians. This measure is believed to be a proactive step by authorities to ensure public safety in the face of growing regional instability. The situation has also prompted broader discussions about the impact of the Iran war on daily life. Airlines such as El Al have announced the cancellation of regularly scheduled flights through March 27, though repatriation flights are still operating. This decision reflects the heightened security risks and the disruption caused by the conflict, which has led to the closure of several international routes. Meanwhile, efforts to address the humanitarian crisis caused by the war have gained momentum. Countries involved in the conflict have proposed the establishment of a safe corridor to facilitate the release of approximately 20,000 seafarers who are stranded in the Gulf. The initiative aims to provide a secure passage for these individuals, who have been unable to return to their home countries due to the ongoing hostilities.#iran_war #saudi_arabia #riyadh #el_al #safe_corridor
American Airlines and Delta Air Lines raise revenue forecasts as booking trends surge, travelers secure fares ahead of price hikes U.S. airline executives are reporting some of the strongest booking trends in the industry’s history, driven by a surge in demand from premium leisure and corporate travelers. These customers are rushing to purchase tickets before anticipated price increases linked to soaring fuel costs. Delta Air Lines has revised its sales growth expectations, now projecting high single-digit growth for the first quarter, up from its previous 5% to 7% range. American Airlines, based in Fort Worth and dominant at DFW International Airport, expects revenue to rise more than 10% in the quarter—a record for the company—despite fuel expenses pushing earnings projections toward the lower end of its initial guidance range. The upward trend in bookings is partly attributed to the Iran war, which has triggered a sharp spike in energy prices. Airlines are grappling with rising fuel costs, which now account for a significant portion of their operating expenses. American Airlines noted that the rapid increase in fuel prices has led it to revise its adjusted loss per diluted share forecast to the lower end of its first-quarter guidance range of 10 cents to 50 cents. Delta’s shares rose as much as 4.8% in early U.S. trading, while American’s stock jumped 5.2%, marking its largest gain in a month. Industry leaders highlighted the financial strain caused by fuel costs, with Delta CEO Ed Bastian revealing a $400 million spike in fuel expenses this month. Bastian emphasized that corporate demand is likely to remain strong if prices stay elevated for the next two months, though lower-cost carriers may struggle to absorb the increased oil prices.#iran_war #delta_air_lines #american_airlines #fort_worth #dfw_international_airport
Stock market news for March 17, 2026 U.S. stock markets saw gains on Tuesday as Wall Street capitalized on recent momentum amid escalating tensions in the Iran war. The S&P 500 closed up 0.25% at 6,716.09, while the Nasdaq Composite rose 0.47% to 22,479.53. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 46.85 points, or 0.1%, to 46,993.26. The surge came amid volatile oil prices and ongoing geopolitical developments, with global benchmark Brent crude oil climbing 3% to surpass the $100 mark. Investor sentiment remained influenced by the conflict, as rising oil prices and the war’s fallout continued to shape market dynamics. The consumer discretionary sector outperformed, with gains of 1% driven by travel booking stocks like Expedia Group and Booking Holdings. Strong revenue guidance from airlines Delta and American Airlines further bolstered the sector, despite its overall decline of over 2% for the month. Energy stocks led the market, adding nearly 1% to their month-to-date gains, which now exceed 4%. The oil price rebound followed remarks from President Donald Trump, who suggested that a coalition to secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz was still under consideration. Trump later tweeted that the U.S. did not require NATO or other nations’ assistance for the escort plans, claiming that “we have decimated Iran’s Military.” However, stocks and crude prices fluctuated after the post, indicating investor uncertainty about the potential for a coalition. Analysts noted that while hopes for a swift resolution persist, the market remains cautious about the long-term implications of the conflict.#iran_war #strait_of_hormuz #delta_airlines #expedia_group #booking_holdings
Top Trump Official Resigns Over Iran War Claims Joseph Kent, the director of the U.S. National Counterterrorism Center, resigned from his post after publicly opposing the Trump administration’s military actions against Iran. In his resignation letter, Kent stated that Iran posed no “imminent threat” to the United States and criticized Israeli influence for pushing the president to escalate hostilities. He argued that the war in Iran was driven by external pressures rather than national security concerns. Kent’s letter emphasized his moral objection to the conflict, asserting that the Trump administration’s campaign against Iran lacked justification. “I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran,” he wrote. “Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby.” He accused Israeli officials and influential members of the U.S. media of orchestrating a “misinformation campaign” to justify the conflict, claiming they manipulated the president into believing Iran was an immediate threat. The resignation marked the first high-profile departure from the Trump administration linked to the Iran war. Kent described a deliberate effort to create an “echo chamber” that misled Trump into supporting the attack. He urged the president to reconsider his stance, warning that continued involvement could lead the nation toward “decline and chaos.” As director of the National Counterterrorism Center, Kent oversaw an agency responsible for analyzing global terrorist threats. His confirmation to the role in July 2025 faced strong opposition from Democrats, who highlighted his ties to far-right figures and conspiracy theories.#iran_war #trump_administration #us_national_counterterrorism_center #joseph_kent #israeli_influence
Oil Jolt Ripples Through Corporate India’s FX Hedges The sharp rise in oil prices has pushed the rupee to a record low, surpassing 92 per dollar, and has intensified volatility in foreign-exchange markets, disrupting corporate India’s hedging strategies. The decline in the rupee and heightened uncertainty have forced companies to reassess their approaches to managing currency risks, particularly as forward premiums and volatility expectations have surged. Market instability, driven by the ongoing Iran war, has created challenges for exporters and importers alike. Exporters, who benefit from a weaker rupee, are now navigating complex decisions about when to hedge their earnings, while importers are increasingly turning to forward contracts instead of options structures. This shift reflects growing concerns about the limitations of zero-cost options, which, while cost-effective, offer limited protection during periods of extreme volatility. The one-month dollar/rupee implied volatility has reached a nine-month high of 6.6 percent, up from below 5 percent before the war began. Bankers noted that companies are typically aware of the trade-offs involved in hedging strategies but must adapt when market conditions change abruptly. For example, a major steel company has moved away from options and is now relying more on forward contracts to manage its exposure. Similarly, a large Indian conglomerate that previously benefited from being short on rupee volatility is now facing mark-to-market losses due to the sharp depreciation of the currency. The shift toward forward contracts has been particularly evident since the Iran war erupted.#mumbai #iran_war #indian_rupee #hari_krishna_exports #us_india_trade_agreement
