Market Minute: March 25th, 2026 - The 24-Hour News Cycle and Market Reactions
I don’t know if this is exactly true, but my father always told me that Ted Koppel of ABC Nightline fame had his career launched by the Iran hostage crisis. Fast forward to Iraq’s battle with Kuwait, and CNN was on the air morning, noon, and night.
Thinking about these past Middle Eastern conflicts led me to reflect on the relationship between markets and the news cycle. If cable news consistently presented a unified view suggesting that all sides do not want to destroy the region’s energy infrastructure because it serves as their economic engine, that would be the equivalent of saying, “nothing to see here.” That is not the kind of message that drives viewership or keeps audiences tuned in for the latest commentary from pundits or world leaders.
Client Sentiment and Investor Behavior
Today, we were on a call with our media relations firm, and they asked about the frequency of client outreach we have been receiving. In general, call volume has been quite low. This aligns with the philosophy we have emphasized since launching our firm: careful financial planning and a long-term investment approach.
Further, we continue to focus on the reality that both sides in a conflict typically have an incentive to see it resolved. The other Gulf nations are unlikely to stand by and allow disruption to their economic engines, and the broader global community does not want to see Iran fully destabilized. At the same time, the increased capability of Iranian missiles has introduced a stronger resolve among opposing forces to eliminate the possibility of nuclear threats being deployed at previously unreachable distances.
Outlook and Market Expectations
We believe this environment points to several more weeks of military activity, followed by some form of ceasefire or truce. At that point, we would expect oil prices and interest rates to decline, with stocks retracing some of their recent losses.
From there, the path forward will likely depend on inflation trends, employment data, and Federal Reserve policy decisions. In other words, back to business as usual. A return to a more typical market focus driven by fundamentals rather than headline-driven volatility.
Final Thoughts
We expect continued volatility, as markets rarely move in a straight line during periods of uncertainty. As always, we are here and available to have a conversation about how these dynamics may impact your financial plan.
Disclaimer: Investment advisory services offered through Innovative Asset Advisors Group, LLC, (“IAAG”), a Registered Investment Advisor with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Registration does not imply any level of skill or training. The content provided is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, or tax advice. Investments, including equities, bonds, commodities, real estate, and alternative assets, carry risks, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Before making any financial decisions, you should consult with your personal financial, legal, or tax advisor to evaluate your individual circumstances. IAAG does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information presented, and it may be subject to change without notice. This material, or any portion thereof, may not be reprinted, sold, or redistributed without the written consent of Innovative Asset Advisors Group, LLC.
