Market Note 12 March 2026

Economic data included U.S. GDP seeing minimal revision, but still a slower pace than Q1, gains in personal income and spending, as well as durable goods. On the other hand, new home sales continued to come in weak, while several home price indexes showed minor gains, now below the pace of inflation. Consumer sentiment also remained negative, due to inflation concerns.

Equities were mixed, with gains in the U.S. and tech-related emerging markets, and flattish elsewhere. Bonds were also flattish as interest rates calmed. Commodities were mixed, with gains in grains, and declines in the prices of energy and precious metals.

Economic data included mixed results for PMI data, with manufacturing down and services up, gains in industrial production, and a decline in housing starts.

Equities lost ground globally last week, with the continued Middle East conflict and some volatility in government interest rates. As yields rose, bonds were mixed, with foreign bonds helped by a weaker dollar. Commodities saw gains, including another rise in energy, along with the ongoing U.S.-Iran tensions.