Global Markets Rebound as Mid-East Tensions Ease; Oil Rally Cools 📈

Global equity markets stabilized on Thursday following signals of potential de-escalation in the Middle East, offering a reprieve for energy-sensitive economies like Sri Lanka. • Market Performance MSCI All-Country World Index: Up 0.27% Dow Jones: +0.59% (48,191.74) S&P 500: +0.63% (6,825.27) Nasdaq: +0.76% (22,807.95) Asian markets saw a slight pullback, with the Nikkei falling 0.7% and MSCI Asia-Pacific slipping 0.7%. • Energy & Commodities Crude Oil: US crude settled at US$ 97.71 (+3.4%) after briefly topping US$ 102. Brent eased to US$ 95.50 (+0.8%). Gold: Surged 1.63% to US$ 4,793.07/oz as investors maintain interest in safe-haven assets. Silver: Gained 2.66% to US$ 76.09. • Economic Indicators US Core PCE Index: Rose 2.8% YoY in February, meeting expectations. US GDP: Q4 growth slowed to 0.5%, trailing the 0.7% forecast. Currency: The US Dollar Index fell 0.37% to 98.69, while the Euro rose 0.43% to $1.1712. • Regional Impact Market sentiment shifted positively after Israel indicated openness to peace talks with Lebanon. For Sri Lanka, the cooling of the oil rally is critical to managing energy costs and stabilizing import expenditure, though global inflation risks remain a key watchpoint ahead of upcoming US CPI data.