From Yahoo Finance: 2025-03-19 22:45:00

U.S. stocks posted modest losses and the dollar strengthened as investors considered trade concerns from central bank leaders. Gold eased, while crude prices rose. Geopolitical tension flared with Israeli airstrikes and a Ukrainian drone attack on a Russian airfield. Jobless claims held steady, existing home sales unexpectedly increased, calming economic fears.

Central banks including the Bank of England and Swiss National Bank held rates amid global economic uncertainties. Turkey’s central bank raised its lending rate to 46% after President Erdogan’s political rival’s arrest. U.S. markets saw slight declines, while European stocks closed lower. MSCI’s global stock index fell, with emerging markets also down.

The greenback rose, euro fell after the Fed signaled no hurry to cut rates. U.S. Treasury yields fluctuated amid economic caution. Oil prices climbed on new Iran sanctions and Middle East tensions. Gold prices steadied after reaching record highs, supported by potential Fed rate cuts and global uncertainties.

Overall, markets reacted cautiously to central bank decisions, economic uncertainty, and geopolitical tensions, affecting stocks, currencies, and commodities worldwide.

Read more: US stocks end down on economic worry; oil up on Middle East tensions