economy
Stocks had a massive rally to end March. Why they're still not out of the woods
The stock market’s rip higher may not signal the all-clear investors are looking for.
TL;DR
- The S&P 500 saw its best day since May 12, with a 2.9% surge attributed to potential de-escalation in U.S.-Iran relations.
- Economists warn that energy price hikes could push inflation to nearly 4% and permanently raise price levels due to ongoing supply chain and fertilizer issues.
- The market now fully expects the Federal Reserve to maintain steady interest rates through the end of the year.
- Crude oil prices remain significantly elevated compared to the start of 2026, trading around $100 per barrel.
- Market volatility, measured by the Cboe Volatility Index (VIX), remains high at around 25, indicating persistent uncertainty.
- Technical strategists predict the S&P 500 will decline further before beginning a sustained upward trend.