But reports the Pentagon would send thousands of more troops from the elite 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East caused some concerns. But energy prices rose on Tuesday with crude oil futures settling up more than 4%. Earlier a survey showed U.S. business activity slowed to an 11-month low in March as the Middle East war raised prices for energy products and other inputs. Higher oil prices have revived inflation jitters and complicated the interest rate outlook for central banks. Traders are no longer pricing in any rate cuts this year, compared with two reductions expected before the Middle East conflict erupted.

Source: The Standard March 24, 2026 20:39 UTC