WS #3433

The data dump reveals escalating geopolitical and military tensions with immediate market-moving implications. Iranian missile attacks have injured at least 10 U.S. troops and damaged refueling aircraft at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, corroborated by multiple sources (AP, NPR, Manchester Evening News). This signals persistent threats to energy infrastructure and U.S. assets, likely exacerbating oil price volatility. Concurrently, Russia announced an export ban on gasoline from April 1 to prioritize domestic supply and stabilize prices, citing global market turbulence from the Middle East conflict. This directly threatens global refined fuel supply, potentially driving up prices. Financial markets are reacting sharply: the S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Dow hit new 2026 lows, with the Nasdaq and Dow entering correction territory amid investor anxiety over the Iran war and surging oil prices. Brent crude is above $113, up 50% from last month, and U.S. gas prices average $3.98, a dollar higher than a month ago. Consumer sentiment fell 6% to its lowest since December, driven by gas price fears. Specific corporate developments include Reliance Industries (RIL) stock falling 4.55% after India announced export duties on petrol and diesel to curb domestic shortages, impacting its refining margins. Additionally, the U.S. DOJ has escalated its antitrust probe into the Paramount-Skydance acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery, sending subpoenas to examine effects on streaming competition and studio output, which could affect media sector M&A activity.