Stocks tumbled while oil prices climbed on Friday, capping a turbulent week in which attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure rattled global markets and fueled fears of a worldwide economic slowdown.
Crude extended its gains, with international benchmark Brent rising 3.3% to $112.19 a barrel. The main US benchmark, West Texas Intermediate, added 2.3% to $98.32.
Key figures at around 2015 GMT (March 20, 2026)
Brent North Sea Crude: UP 3.3 per cent at $112.19 per barrel
West Texas Intermediate: UP 2.3 per cent at $98.32 per barrel
New York – Dow: DOWN 1.0 per cent at 45,577.47 (close)
New York – S&P 500: DOWN 1.5 per cent at 6,506.48 (close)
New York – Nasdaq Composite: DOWN 2.0 per cent at 21,647.61 (close)
London – FTSE 100: DOWN 1.4 per cent at 9,918.33 (close)
Paris – CAC 40: DOWN 1.8 per cent at 7,665.62 (close)
Frankfurt – DAX: DOWN 2.0 per cent at 22,380.19 (close)
Hong Kong – Hang Seng Index: DOWN 0.9 per cent at 25,277.32 (close)
Shanghai – Composite: DOWN 1.2 per cent at 3,957.05 (close)
Tokyo – Nikkei 225: Closed for a holiday
Euro/dollar: DOWN at $1.1550 from $1.1589 on Thursday
Pound/dollar: DOWN at $1.3323 from $1.3257
Dollar/yen: DOWN at 159.30 yen from 159.86 yen
Euro/pound: UP at 86.68 pence from 86.38 pence