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On April 6, 2026, markets saw significant movement driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. While regional stocks rallied on hopes of a swift conflict resolution, global indices remain shaky as inflation fears and rising oil prices take center stage.
U.S. markets closed mixed on April 2, snapping a five-week losing streak despite conflicting signals regarding the conflict in Iran. While the S&P 500 and Nasdaq posted modest gains, the Dow dipped as surging oil prices and inflation fears weighed on sentiment. Markets in Asia saw a strong start on April 3, with the KOSPI jumping over 2% on hopes for de-escalation in the Middle East.
The KOSPI saw a rough month, dropping over 15% due to Middle East tensions—the sharpest decline among major markets—before rebounding on March 31 on hopes for an end to the Iran conflict. [Source: https://dt.co.kr/article/12054681] Meanwhile, U.S. markets rallied to close the quarter, with the Dow jumping over 1,100 points on March 31, though major indices still posted their worst quarterly performance since 2022. [Source: https://investopedia.com/stock-market-today-dow-jones-s-and-p-500-03312026-11937854] On the macro front, oil prices have pushed past $100 a barrel due to the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict, keeping inflation pressure high. [Source: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/live/stock-market-today-dow-rises-sp-500-and-nasdaq-drop-as-chip-stocks-]
On March 31, the KOSPI dipped back below the 5100 mark as foreign investors pulled out, fueled by the "TurboQuant" shock from Google. [Source: https://fnnews.com/news/202603311353088909] Meanwhile, in the U.S., the Dow managed a slight rebound, but the market remained volatile due to sliding chip stocks, oil prices surging past $100, and President Trump’s comments on ending the Iran war. [Source: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/live/stock-market-today-dow-rises-sp-500-and-nasdaq-drop-as-chip-stocks-slide-us-crude-oil-surges-above-100-200033357.html] Global markets are facing heavy volatility as the Middle East conflict drags on and a deadline regarding energy facility attacks looms. [Source: https://mt.co.kr/stock/2026/03/30/2026033016135370470]
Korea's KOSPI has been the worst performer among major markets this month, down about 12%, though retail investors are stepping in to buy the dip. Meanwhile, US markets are struggling as the Dow officially hit correction territory—joining the Nasdaq—largely due to the ongoing US-Iran conflict. With a shortened trading week ahead, all eyes are on upcoming employment and export data, which are expected to keep market volatility high.
South Korean markets managed to bounce back despite early morning dips, driven by ongoing uncertainty over the U.S.-Iran conflict. Meanwhile, foreign investors have been offloading a historic amount of stock throughout March. Across the U.S., the major indices hit six-month lows as the Middle East crisis and rising oil prices pushed the Nasdaq into a correction phase.
After a rocky start on March 27, the KOSPI closed down 0.4% at 5,438.87, weighed down by record-breaking foreign selling throughout the month. Meanwhile, U.S. markets are reeling from a fifth straight week of losses, with the Dow dropping 800 points and the Nasdaq slipping into correction territory. Rising oil prices due to the U.S.-Iran conflict continue to fuel global inflation fears, dragging down markets worldwide.
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