Market performance across major asset classes is currently defined by a sharp pivot toward defensive strategies. Volatility has surged as investors digest a combination of aggressive trade policies, shifting interest rates, and the disruptive impact of emerging technologies on corporate earnings. Equities and Indices The U.S. stock market experienced a significant retreat in the latest session. All three major indices fell by more than **1%** as risk appetite dampened. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped **821.91 points** to close at **48,863.62**, a decline of **1.66%**. The S&P 500 slid **1.04%** to **6,850.42**, while the Nasdaq Composite fell **1.13%** to **22,627.27**. Technology and payment firms faced the heaviest selling pressure. Notable losses included IBM, which plummeted **13.1%**, and American Express, which sank **7.2%**. Conversely, defensive consumer staples like Walmart gained **2.3%**, reflecting a rotation toward "real economy" stocks. Energy and Commodities Brent crude oil futures are hovering near a six-month high at approximately **$71.40 per barrel**. Prices remain supported by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and supply disruptions in North America due to winter weather. However, the long-term outlook remains bearish, with forecasts suggesting an average price of **$58 per barrel** for 2026 as global production is expected to outpace demand. Gold has staged a powerful recovery after mid-month volatility. In Indian markets, 24K gold surged to **₹16,135 per gram** on February 23. Globally, gold continues to serve as a primary hedge against inflation and policy uncertainty. In contrast, industrial metals like copper have softened. Copper fell **0.95%** to roughly **$12,700 per ton**, weighed down by rising inventories and a seasonal lull in Chinese demand. Economic Indicators and Inflation Global core inflation is projected to stabilize at **2.8%** throughout 2026. However, regional disparities are widening. U.S. inflation is expected to accelerate above **3.2%** due to tariff pass-through effects, while the Euro area may see a moderation toward **1.9%**. The U.S. Federal Funds rate currently sits at **3.75%**. While some analysts expect the Federal Reserve to remain on hold, others project a potential reduction of **50 basis points** later in the year if labor market momentum softens further. Global GDP growth for 2026 is forecast at a steady but modest **2.7% to 2.8%**. Trade and Manufacturing International trade is facing headwinds from a new **15%** global tariff policy implemented by the U.S. administration. This has prompted a pause in major trade agreements, including those with the European Parliament. While global trade expanded by **3.8%** in 2025, momentum is expected to slow to **2.2%** this year as policy uncertainty impacts shipment volumes.