Benzinga examined the prospects for many investors’ favorite stocks over the last week — here’s a look at some of our top stories.
U.S. markets faced a turbulent week as escalating conflict in the Middle East sent oil prices surging and rattled investor confidence. Crude prices jumped toward $90 per barrel, marking one of the sharpest weekly gains in years as disruptions near the Strait of Hormuz threatened global energy supply. The surge came alongside a surprise deterioration in the U.S. labor market, with nonfarm payrolls unexpectedly falling by 92,000 jobs in February, reinforcing concerns that economic momentum may be weakening.
Higher energy costs quickly rippled across equity markets, lifting energy stocks while hammering fuel-sensitive sectors such as airlines and cruise operators. Shares of travel companies fell sharply as investors worried that rising jet fuel prices could squeeze margins and dampen demand. The geopolitical shock added to already fragile sentiment as traders reassessed inflation risks tied to higher oil prices and supply disruptions.
Global markets also reacted to the widening Iran conflict, with emerging-market equities and Asian stocks under pressure due to their heavy dependence on Middle Eastern energy supplies. Countries such as South Korea — a major importer of Gulf crude — were particularly exposed. The conflict’s impact on energy markets and inflation expectations has left investors bracing for continued volatility across equities, commodities and currencies in the weeks ahead.
Benzinga provides daily reports on the stocks most popular with investors. Here are a few of this past week’s most bullish and bearish posts that are worth another look.
The Bulls
“Defense Stocks Hit Records As Trump Warns ‘Big Wave’ In Iran: 10 Names In Focus,” by Piero Cingari, reports that the SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense …
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