Daily Digest — 24 Mar 2026

Markets whipsawed today on reports that the US has delivered a 15-point plan to Iran aimed at ending the escalating conflict, with President Trump claiming negotiations are underway despite Tehran’s denials. Oil plunged nearly 4% to $88.75 as traders priced in potential de-escalation, while safe-haven assets diverged — gold surged 1.7% and silver jumped 3.3% as investors remained cautious about the prospects for lasting peace.

The conflict continues to reshape regional dynamics, with arms manufacturer Elbit Systems benefiting from intensified warfare across Iran, Palestine, and Lebanon. Meanwhile, a building collapsed in Bnei Brak near Tel Aviv following what Israeli authorities described as an Iranian missile strike, underscoring how quickly diplomatic hopes can collide with battlefield realities.

Meta faced a costly reckoning in New Mexico, where a jury ordered the company to pay \(375 million for violating child safety laws — a verdict that barely registered in broader markets but signals growing regulatory pressure on big tech platforms globally. The cryptocurrency sector showed mixed signals, with Bitcoin down 0.6% to \)70,329 despite earlier gains on ceasefire speculation, while BlackRock noted that institutional clients are narrowing their focus to Bitcoin and Ethereum as altcoin interest wanes.

In the UK, Chancellor Reeves announced plans for targeted energy bill assistance as soaring oil and gas prices from the Middle East conflict hit consumers, while the pound slipped marginally against the dollar amid broader uncertainty about the war’s economic spillovers.