Wall Street ended the week in the red as investor sentiment weakened amid ongoing concerns over tech sector valuations and escalating U.S.- Iran tensions. The S&P 500 dropped 2.02% to 6,740.02, the Nasdaq fell 1.24% to 22,387.68, and the Dow Jones slid 3.01% to 47,501.55.

Rising oil prices and persistent inflation worries pushed U.S. Treasury yields higher. The two-year note climbed 18 basis points to 3.56%, the 10-year rose 17 basis points to 4.13%, and the 30-year reached 4.76%. Meanwhile, the dollar weakened, falling 0.38% on the dollar index to 98.94 amid softer payrolls data, with the USD down 0.49% against the Swiss franc.

Oil surged as Middle Eastern supply was constrained by the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz amid the U.S.–Israeli-Iran conflict. Brent crude jumped 8.14% to US$92.36 per barrel, and WTI rose 11.94% to US$90.68. Gold also gained, supported by expectations of a potential Federal Reserve rate cut, with spot gold up 1.56% to US$5,155.69 per ounce.

U.S. labour market data revealed a slowdown in February 2026. Nonfarm payrolls fell by 92,000 jobs, the unemployment rate rose to 4.4%, and labour force participation dropped to 62%, its lowest since December 2021. Wages increased 0.4% month-on-month and 3.8% year-on-year. Business inventories rose slightly by 0.1% in December 2025.

International Spotlight

Iran appointed Mojtaba Khamenei as Supreme Leader following the death of Ali Khamenei in a U.S.- Israeli strike, signalling continued hardline leadership. Analysts warn this may heighten tensions with the U.S. and Israel, particularly affecting energy markets around the Strait of Hormuz.

Global oil prices briefly surpassed US$100 per barrel, with Brent touching US$120, amid fears of supply disruptions. The Strait of Hormuz, which handles roughly 20% of the world’s seaborne oil, remains a focal point for market volatility.

Local Updates – Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago awarded two offshore exploration blocks to China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) to boost natural gas production. Energy Minister Roodal Moonilal also reported progress on the Dragon Gas Field with Shell and Venezuela, aiming for first gas by Q2-Q3 2027.

The country strengthened its strategic partnership with CAF – Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, with US$1.8 billion supporting projects in infrastructure, digital development, climate adaptation and health programmes.

Corporate Highlights

·      Nvidia (NVDA): New 2027 executive bonus plan announced; AI firm Nscale valued at US$14.6bn

·      Boeing (BA): CEO compensation for 2025 totals US$9.4m

·      Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG): Robert Lighthizer resigns from board

·      Lantheus Holdings (LNTH): FDA approves enhanced formulation of prostate cancer imaging agent Pylarify

·      Hims & Hers Health (HIMS): Shares soar 39% after deal with Novo Nordisk on weight-loss medications

Analysts’ Moves

·      Coterra Energy (CTRA): Downgraded to Hold

·      Oracle (ORCL): Target price cut amid AI investment costs

·      SOLV Energy (SOLV): Initiated with US$34 target price

·      Syndax Pharmaceuticals (SNDX): Target raised to US$45 ahead of Phase 2 data

·      USA Compression Partners (USAC): Upgraded to Buy, target increased to US$31