S&P 500 Slides to 2026 Lows as Stagflation Fears and Middle East Crisis Rattle Markets ■
S&P 500 — March 12, 2026
The S&P 500 fell to around 6,725 points on March 12, dropping roughly 0.75% from the previous session.
Markets hit their lowest level this year as surging energy prices stoked stagflation fears.
The IEA's release of 400 million barrels from strategic reserves failed to curb rising crude prices, as intensifying conflict between Iran, Israel, and GCC members disrupted the Strait of Hormuz.
Financial stocks came under pressure after Morgan Stanley and Cliffwater capped withdrawals from private credit funds, raising concerns about bad loans.
Despite today's decline, the index remains about 21.8% higher compared to a year ago.