U.S. stock indexes recorded solid gains for the 2nd week in a row as signs of de-escalating conflict in the Middle East and a subsequent drop in oil prices boosted investor sentiment. Enthusiasm around artificial intelligence-linked stocks also served as a tailwind for parts of the market. Additional reports suggesting talks involving Israel and Lebanon also appeared to support equities late in the week, although overall uncertainty remained elevated heading into the weekend. The Nasdaq Composite outperformed (+4.68% over the week). Within the S&P 500 Index, energy was the only sector to post negative returns. On the macro side, US CPI growth (March) accelerated amid surging energy costs but came in below estimates.

Investors faced one of the most turbulent quarters in recent memory during Q1 2026. The year began with optimism, but markets were soon affected by the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East, a historic surge in oil prices, significant movements in bonds and currencies, and the rapidly growing impact of artificial intelligence. In the sections below, we recount the story of Q1 2026 in ten charts, from the initial equity rally to the lasting opportunities in fixed income.

A relief rally on a fragile pause: ceasefire diplomacy with caveats

Ceasefire diplomacy, market reactions and investment implications

March saw the biggest monthly drop for global stocks, 2026 is oil’s worst start in 30 years, and traders pile $977m into leveraged bets on a sharp oil plunge. Each week, the Syz investment team takes you through the last seven days in seven charts.

Major U.S. equity indexes ended the week higher, supported by tentative signs of easing tensions in the Middle East. The Nasdaq Composite led gains, marking its strongest weekly performance since November, while the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 3.36% and 2.96%, respectively. Small-cap stocks also delivered solid returns. After a weak start on Monday, markets rallied sharply midweek as President Trump signaled a potential pullback in U.S. military involvement in Iran. However, sentiment briefly faltered following a Wednesday night address that lacked a clear de-escalation timeline, lifting oil prices and pressuring equities early Thursday.

New highs in oil prices and softer economic data weighed on fixed income markets, as concerns about slowing growth began to balance ongoing inflation fears.

Meanwhile, hedging allows oil producers to lock in profits. Each week, the Syz investment team takes you through the last seven days in seven charts.

U.S. equity indexes finished a volatile, headline-driven week mixed, as a relatively light economic calendar left investors largely focused on shifting geopolitical developments, oil price volatility, and continued pressure on large-cap technology stocks. Equities rallied to start the week amid optimism that the conflict in the Middle East could de-escalate. However, sentiment deteriorated through the end of the week, as conflicting headlines appeared to undermine confidence in a near-term resolution. Ultimately, the Russell 2000 index closed the week higher, snapping a four-week losing streak, while the S&P 500 Index, Dow Jones Industrial Average, and Nasdaq Composite all finished lower for the fifth week in a row. Large-cap value stocks outperformed their growth counterparts for the third consecutive week.

The oil price shock continues to feed through global rate level and monetary policy expectations, while credit markets show resilience.