War, rising oil prices, and a negative jobs report were a powerful drag on stocks. All the major indexes were down for the week as uncertainty overtook investor confidence. It's uncomfortable to see stocks falling, but as a percentage, U.S. stocks are holding up well, and earnings season has been, on average, quite strong.
However, markets are likely to remain volatile until investors get more clarity around the length and the results of the conflict with Iran. Until then, markets are likely to move with the headlines, which ensures volatility will continue.
Next week, investors will get three different reads on inflation. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Producer Price Index (PPI) for February come out on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively. The delayed Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) index from January will be released on Friday. A surprise in either direction will move stocks.
