Market Information Monday 4 March 2026

Stock markets across the Gulf closed modestly higher as investors weighed uncertainty over a potential US–Iran agreement and the future of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy supply. Oil prices softened after peace proposals, with Brent settling at $108.17 per barrel, limiting equity gains across energy‑dependent economies. The mixed performance reflects cautious sentiment as markets remain sensitive to geopolitical signals that directly affect oil flows and regional growth.

Japan’s authorities have put currency markets on high alert after sharp volatility pushed the yen from around ¥160.7 to ¥155.5 per dollar within hours, amid suspected government intervention estimated at over $30bn. With Japan heavily reliant on imported energy, the renewed weakness of the yen raises inflation risks just as the country enters its low‑liquidity Golden Week holiday period. Policymakers see the holiday as an effective window for intervention, especially as carry‑trade activity continues to pressure the currency.

Global investors funnelled more than $3bn into clean energy exchange‑traded funds in April, the strongest inflows since January 2021, lifting total assets to $43bn. The appetite reflects a shift from climate‑driven investing toward energy security and independence, particularly in Europe, where reliance on imported fuels has become a strategic vulnerability. In the US, demand is also being driven by the need to expand power generation and grid capacity to support rapid growth in energy‑intensive technologies such as artificial intelligence.

The 6M Euribor increased with 2 basis points to 2.46% compared to previous business day. The 10Y Swap decreased with 7 basis points to 3.07% compared to previous business day.

In the attachment, today’s market data on money and capital market rates as well as other rates are presented.