US Stock Futures Slide as Oil Surges on Iran Tensions, Inflation Fears Rise

Oil prices have climbed sharply above $100 per barrel in March 2026, driven by renewed conflict in the Middle East and disruptions to key supply routes like the Strait of Hormuz. The spike has rattled global markets and sent U.S. stock index futures into a downward spiral, with major benchmarks sliding as investors brace for rising inflation and slower growth. This sudden turn has put pressure on risk assets and reshaped market expectations in real time.