18/03/2026 Daily Reports
Nasdaq Holds Gains Despite $100+ Oil Shock; Fed in Focus as Energy Risks Dominate Global Markets
- Global markets are showing resilience despite persistent energy-driven volatility and geopolitical risks. In the U.S., the Nasdaq Composite advanced between 0.5% and 1.2%, supported by strong corporate momentum even as oil prices remain elevated. Sentiment was boosted by Delta Air Lines raising its Q1 revenue forecast on robust travel demand, while Uber and Nvidia gained following an expanded autonomous vehicle partnership. Investors are now focused on the upcoming decision from the Federal Reserve, with expectations leaning toward a “higher-for-longer” stance due to oil-driven inflation risks.
- In Europe, Germany’s DAX rose 0.71%, staging a solid rebound as markets recovered from early losses tied to rising energy costs. Broader European equities also showed resilience, stabilizing despite ongoing inflation concerns.
- In Asia, the Nikkei 225 saw a volatile session, ultimately closing slightly higher (+0.26%) around 53,890. However, gains were capped by weakness in the domestic tech sector, with semiconductor names under pressure.
- Energy markets remain the central driver of global sentiment. Brent crude surged above $100–$103 per barrel amid escalating U.S.–Israel–Iran tensions and severe shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. In response, the International Energy Agency approved a massive 400 million barrel strategic reserve release, while the Energy Information Administration raised its 2026 oil price forecast, signaling expectations of prolonged supply risks.
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- Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. is increasing the prices of its AI computing and storage services by 5% to 34% due to rising demand and infrastructure costs. Prices for its T-Head AI chips (such as Zhenwu 810E) and its Cloud Parallel File Storage service have also gone up by around 30%. These increases come as part of Alibaba’s new strategy to better monetize AI, following the launch of new products like the Wukong AI service.
- Samsung Electronics Co. is considering extending contract durations for its memory chips, moving from short-term agreements to longer deals of 3 to 5 years. Co-CEO Jun Young-hyun said the move could help stabilize supply amid rising demand for AI chips. Following the announcement, the company’s shares rose by as much as 6.5%.
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