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Monday, March 2, 2026 — Global equity markets are sharply lower as escalating tensions in the Middle East trigger widespread risk-off sentiment. Nearly every major market is in the red — with Tel Aviv standing out as the only major index resisting the broader sell-off.

U.S. futures signal weak open

Wall Street futures are pointing to a steep decline at the open:

• Dow futures: -1.5%
• S&P 500 futures: -1.5%
• Nasdaq futures: -1.7%

Technology and growth stocks are facing heavier pressure as investors shift toward defensive positioning.

Europe sees broad-based declines

European markets are also under significant stress:

• DAX: down over 2%
• CAC 40: down over 2%
• STOXX 600: down more than 2%

Cyclical sectors including autos, travel and banking are leading declines as energy price risks mount.

Asia closes deep in red

Asian markets mirrored the global risk aversion:

• Nikkei 225: -1.5%
• Hang Seng: down more than 2%

Export-heavy and growth-oriented markets are particularly vulnerable to rising geopolitical uncertainty and higher commodity prices.

Oil and gold surge on safe-haven demand

While equities fall, commodities are rising sharply:

• Crude oil is climbing on fears of supply disruption.
• Gold is strengthening as investors seek safety.

The spike in oil reflects concerns over potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and broader regional instability. Higher crude prices add inflationary pressure, complicating the macro outlook for central banks.

Why Tel Aviv is diverging

The relative resilience in Tel Aviv suggests localized investor positioning and possibly short-covering activity, even as global markets price in escalation risk.

What markets are watching

Investors are closely tracking:

• Any signs of further military escalation
• Energy infrastructure risks
• Diplomatic developments
• Central bank reaction if financial conditions tighten

With oil rising and volatility elevated, markets appear braced for continued turbulence.