The Nikkei Stock Average continued to fall, as investors raised concerns about longer-term economic damage from spiking oil prices. US stock futures edged higher after several tankers managed to traverse the Strait of Hormuz on the weekend, raising hopes that the key oil transport artery could reopen. High oil prices are keeping alive worries about inflation and economic growth. Gold has fallen below $5,000 as high oil prices threaten Fed rate cuts. “Concerns about an economic slowdown due to rising oil prices are being factored in,” Sawada said.

Source: The Irish Times March 16, 2026 13:45 UTC