Weekly Market Update

The markets continued to be volatile due to the ongoing Iran war, with stocks experiencing a mixed week. Oil prices surged above $100 per barrel, leading to concerns about inflation and economic growth.

MARKET PERFORMANCE SNAPSHOT:
- S&P 500: Down 0.4% due to the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
- Dow Jones: Down 1.2% due to the sharp rise in oil prices.
- Nasdaq: Down 0.6% due to the uncertainty surrounding the Iran war and its impact on global markets.

KEY DRIVERS OF THE WEEK:
- Economic Data: The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 0.3% over the previous month, while Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) index core prices were unchanged.
- Earnings: Oracle shares surged after posting an upbeat earnings report and outlook.
- Federal Reserve / Interest Rates: With inflation worries rising, traders scaled back bets that the central bank will cut interest rates this year.
- Global or Geopolitical Events: The ongoing Iran war has driven a sharp rise in oil prices and destabilized markets.

SECTOR HIGHLIGHTS:
- Tech: Down 0.4% due to concerns about economic growth and inflation.
- Energy: Up 10% due to the sharp rise in crude oil prices.
- Financials: Down 1.2% due to the uncertainty surrounding the Iran war's impact on global markets.

NOTABLE COMPANY MOVES:
- Oracle (ORCL): Shares rose by 5% after posting an upbeat earnings report and outlook.

LOOKING AHEAD:
- Upcoming economic reports include the February reading of the Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index, which will provide more input for the Federal Reserve's interest rate decision.

FINAL TAKEAWAY:
The ongoing Iran war continues to be a major concern for markets, with oil prices surging above $100 per barrel and inflation worries rising. The market is likely to remain volatile until there is clarity on the conflict's resolution.