“March 2, 2026: War Shakes Global Markets — Currency Volatility, Oil Surge, Stock Sell-off, Metals Under Pressure, Gold Soaring. A Complete One-Day Snapshot by SO OK TRADING”

Global Financial & Economic Market Summary (March 2, 2026)

The U.S.–Iran war has shaken global markets, pushing investors into a sharp “Risk-off” mode — currencies volatile, stocks tumbling, oil surging, and gold soaring to record highs.

 

Thai Baht & Major Currencies

The Thai Baht (THB) opened weaker, pressured by rising oil prices and capital outflows:

USD/THB: 31.25 (Baht weaker)
EUR/THB: 36.70
JPY/THB: 100 JPY ≈ 19.85–19.90
CNY/THB: 4.56
Global currency trends:

USD: Stronger as a safe-haven, supported by net energy exports
CHF: Strongest due to neutrality status
JPY: Initially stronger, but capped by high energy import costs
EUR & GBP: Weaker on European energy crisis concerns
THB: Weaker in line with regional currencies and risk-off sentiment
CNY: Narrow range movement
 

Global Stock Markets in Risk-off Mode

Middle East tensions triggered broad sell-offs:

USA: Dow Jones, S&P 500, Nasdaq down ~1% on oil price pressure
Europe: Weak from energy crisis, defense and energy stocks provide limited support
China: Hong Kong market plunged, mainland supported by stimulus expectations
Japan: Nikkei 225 down >2.5% on rising import energy costs
Singapore: STI down ~1.7%, aviation and shipping hit hard
Thailand: SET Index down >2% to ~1,490 points, partially cushioned by energy stocks
 

⛽ Oil Prices Surge on War Fears

Brent Crude: +13% to $82.37/barrel, later eased to $79–80
WTI Crude: Surged past $70–75/barrel
Outlook: If the Strait of Hormuz is blocked, prices could hit $100/barrel
 

️ Safe-haven Assets Shine

Gold: Record highs at $5,500–6,000
U.S. Treasuries: Strong buying demand
 

⚙️ Impact on Metals & Rare Earths

Steel: Costs surged from shipping and gas prices
Aluminum: Spiked due to high electricity dependency
Copper: Supported by EV demand but pressured by rising freight costs
Rare Earths: Strategic stockpiling pushed prices higher
 

Outlook for Q2 2026

Global economy: Risk of stagflation if oil stays above $100
Thai economy: SCB EIC forecasts GDP growth only 1.8% due to high energy costs
Financial markets: Continued capital inflows into safe-haven assets
Industries: Severe cost-push inflation, especially in metals and energy sectors
 

✨ Conclusion

March 2026 marks a Shock Period for global markets. Currencies volatile, stocks plunging, oil surging, and gold soaring. Investors and businesses must adapt strategies to balance risks and opportunities. Energy, metals, and safe-haven assets are now the focal points in this crisis-driven environment.

 

SO OK TRADING

In a world full of uncertainty, SO OK TRADING stands as your trusted global trade partner. With expertise in deep market analysis, we empower Thai businesses to step confidently onto the global stage — exporting premium fruits, rice, industrial metals, and clean energy.

We believe that “Crisis is Opportunity”, and every change is a driving force for sustainable growth .

Contact us:
www.sooktrading.com
SOOKTRADING@OUTLOOK.COM