Major stock indexes around the world closed mostly lower on Friday, capping a turbulent week dominated by the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict, spiking oil prices and disappointing U.S. employment figures that raised concerns about economic slowdown and persistent inflation.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 453.19 points, or 0.95%, to settle at 47,501.55. The broader S&P 500 declined 90.69 points, or 1.33%, to 6,740.02, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite dropped 361.31 points, or 1.59%, to 22,387.68. All three major U.S. benchmarks posted weekly losses, with the Dow down nearly 3%, the S&P 500 off about 2% and the Nasdaq slipping 1.2%.

The sell-off reflected broader unease over the Middle East war entering its second week. Oil prices surged, with Brent crude topping $90 a barrel at points amid supply disruptions, including halted exports from key producers and blocked transport routes. Higher energy costs fueled fears of renewed inflationary pressures, prompting traders to pare expectations for central bank rate cuts.

In Asia, Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 0.62% to close around 55,620, benefiting from a weaker yen and some resilience in export-oriented sectors. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index advanced 1.72% to 25,757.29, supported by mainland Chinese stimulus hopes despite ongoing property sector challenges. Chinese markets showed mixed performance amid Beijing’s reaffirmed 2026 CPI target of around 2%, viewed by economists as a ceiling rather than a firm goal.

European shares were mixed earlier in the week but ended the period with gains in some sessions as investors rotated toward value and defensive names. The pan-European STOXX 600 index recovered partially from earlier losses tied to energy price volatility.

The week’s volatility stemmed from several converging factors. Geopolitical risks escalated following U.S.-Israel actions against Iran, disrupting global energy flows and sending crude higher. Analysts warned that prolonged conflict could spike euro zone inflation and curb growth, with ECB Chief Economist Philip Lane noting potential substantial impacts.

U.S. economic data added to the caution. February’s jobs report disappointed, showing weaker-than-expected hiring and contributing to fears of labor market softening. Combined with firmer producer price index readings earlier in the year, the data reduced bets on Federal Reserve rate cuts. Markets now price in no cuts until potentially June or later, with probabilities for easing in 2026 scaled back.

Inflation remains a key concern globally. J.P. Morgan Global Research forecasts core CPI stable at 2.8% worldwide in 2026, with 3.2% in the U.S., 2.4% in the U.K. and 1.9% in the euro area. Regional cross-currents, including energy-driven pressures, complicate the picture. The Fed is expected to hold steady amid elevated price risks, while the ECB appears paused and the Bank of England tilts dovish.

Despite the headwinds, some positive undertones persist. Corporate earnings have shown resilience, particularly in AI-related sectors, though rotation away from mega-cap tech toward industrials, materials and energy occurred amid defensive positioning. International equities outperformed U.S. large-caps in recent periods, with developed markets outside the U.S. posting stronger returns.

J.P. Morgan Global Research maintains a positive stance on equities for 2026, forecasting double-digit gains in both developed and emerging markets, driven by robust earnings, lower rates over time and AI capital expenditure broadening.

Cryptocurrencies provided a bright spot amid the equity weakness, with bitcoin rallying significantly in some sessions, boosting related stocks like Coinbase and MicroStrategy.

Looking ahead, investors face a data-heavy calendar, including upcoming U.S. and China inflation releases, U.K. GDP and further trade figures. Central bank commentary will remain in focus as policymakers navigate the balance between growth support and inflation control.

The recent market swings underscore the challenges of operating in an environment marked by geopolitical uncertainty and macroeconomic cross-currents. While long-term outlooks remain constructive on fundamentals like corporate balance sheets and technological innovation, near-term sentiment hinges on de-escalation in conflicts and clearer signals from energy markets.

As trading resumes next week, attention will turn to whether stabilization in oil and any diplomatic progress can ease pressures, or if sustained higher costs force further reassessment of monetary policy paths.

Netflix viewers worldwide are flocking to romance, thriller reboots and reality escapism as “Bridgerton” Season 4 dominates the streamer’s global top 10 TV chart in early March 2026, racking up massive viewership amid a slate of fresh premieres and returning favorites.

According to Netflix’s official Tudum Top 10 data for the week of Feb. 23 to March 1, 2026—the most recent publicly detailed period—”Bridgerton” Season 4 holds the No. 1 spot with 28 million views and 248.8 million hours viewed over its 8-hour-53-minute runtime. The Regency-era drama, produced by Shonda Rhimes, continues its reign with opulent balls, scandalous gossip and the latest season’s focus on new romantic entanglements, drawing fans back for its signature blend of wit, drama and diverse casting.

The show’s endurance reflects Netflix’s strength in serialized prestige content. Launched in late January 2026 with Part 1 and concluding in February with Part 2, Season 4 has sustained momentum into March, boosted by social media buzz, fan theories and viral moments from key episodes.

Trailing closely at No. 2 is “The Night Agent” Season 3, the action-thriller starring Gabriel Basso as low-level FBI agent Peter Sutherland thrust into national security crises. The season, which premiered in February, logged 9.9 million views and 86.2 million hours viewed across 8 hours 43 minutes. Its fast-paced espionage plot and high-stakes twists have propelled it upward, appealing to fans of bingeable suspense.

Reality programming holds strong in the top ranks. “Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model” Season 1 debuts at No. 3 with 3.8 million views and 10.6 million hours over 2 hours 47 minutes. The docuseries pulls back the curtain on the iconic modeling competition, offering behind-the-scenes drama, contestant interviews and reflections on the show’s cultural impact.

“Love Is Blind: Ohio” claims No. 4 with 3.1 million views and 33.2 million hours across 10 hours 47 minutes. The latest iteration of the hit dating experiment relocates to the Midwest, where singles form connections without seeing each other, leading to emotional highs, dramatic reveals and signature pod conversations.

Veteran seasons continue drawing viewers. “The Night Agent” Season 1 re-enters at No. 5 with 2.9 million views and 23.6 million hours (8 hours 11 minutes), as new fans discover the series that launched the franchise. “The Lincoln Lawyer” Season 4 sits at No. 6 with matching 2.9 million views and 24.2 million hours (8 hours 26 minutes), featuring Mickey Haller (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo) navigating complex legal battles.

Wrestling fans fuel “Raw: 2026 – February 23, 2026” at No. 7 (2.8 million views, 5.6 million hours, 1 hour 53 minutes), while “The Night Agent” Season 2 holds No. 8 (2.7 million views, 23.3 million hours, 8 hours 36 minutes). Sports documentary “Formula 1: Drive to Survive” Season 8 enters at No. 9 (2.7 million views, 16.1 million hours, 6 hours 4 minutes), capitalizing on the racing season’s buzz. Rounding out the list is “Being Gordon Ramsay” Season 1 at No. 10 (2.3 million views, 10.4 million hours, 4 hours 32 minutes), offering an intimate look at the celebrity chef’s life.

Aggregators like FlixPatrol, tracking daily trends as of March 7, show slight variations with “Bridgerton” still leading globally, followed by newcomers like “Vladimir” (a Rachel Weisz-led psychological drama that premiered March 5), “The Night Agent” and true-crime limited series “A Friend, a Murderer.” These shifts suggest emerging titles are gaining traction post-premiere.

March has brought a wave of anticipated releases influencing the charts. “Vladimir,” blending dark comedy and obsession themes, has surged in early rankings. Other March drops include “The Dinosaurs” (a four-part docuseries narrated with Spielberg flair), “Boyfriend on Demand” (a fresh dating concept) and upcoming “One Piece” Season 2 (March 10), expected to climb rapidly given the live-action adaptation’s massive Season 1 success.

Critics and fans praise the diversity of Netflix’s current top performers. “Bridgerton” earns acclaim for evolving its storytelling while staying true to its escapist roots. “The Night Agent” Season 3 builds on the original’s momentum with tighter plotting and character growth. Reality entries like “Love Is Blind” and “Reality Check” provide addictive, low-stakes viewing amid heavier dramas.

Viewership metrics underscore Netflix’s global reach, with hours viewed serving as the primary gauge since the platform shifted from raw views to engagement-focused data. The top 10’s mix—romance, action, reality and sports—mirrors subscriber preferences for variety.

As March progresses, expect upheaval from premieres like “Virgin River” Season 7 (March 12) and “Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man” (March 20). “One Piece” Season 2 could dominate given anticipation for Monkey D. Luffy’s Grand Line adventures.

For Seoul viewers and global audiences alike, Netflix’s algorithm continues curating personalized recommendations, but the official Top 10 offers a snapshot of collective tastes. Check Tudum or the app for real-time updates, as rankings fluctuate daily.

The current chart highlights Netflix’s knack for blending evergreen hits with timely buzz, keeping subscribers hooked through winter’s end into spring.

Netflix released the first official images from the set of its upcoming ensemble comedy “The Fifth Wheel” on March 6, 2026, showcasing Kim Kardashian alongside Nikki Glaser, Brenda Song, and Fortune Feimster in a high-energy reunion tale directed by Eva Longoria.

The photos, shared via Netflix’s Tudum platform and social channels, capture the four leads laughing together beside a pickup truck, evoking the chaotic fun of a long-overdue friends’ getaway. Kardashian, making her Netflix debut and first major leading film role, appears at the center, dressed casually yet stylishly, while Glaser, Song, and Feimster radiate camaraderie in the candid shots taken during filming in Los Angeles.

The project, which began production in late January 2026, follows a group of high school best friends who attempt to reconnect during a weekend trip to Las Vegas. Their plans unravel when a charismatic “hot outsider”—played by Kardashian—crashes the party, forcing the women to confront messy lives, bad decisions, lingering resentments, and the fragility of long-term friendships. The script, penned by Paula Pell and Janine Brito, has been praised in industry circles as sharp and hilarious since Netflix secured it in a competitive 2023 auction.

Longoria, known for her work on “Desperate Housewives” and recent directorial efforts, helms the film, bringing her signature blend of humor and heart to the female-driven story. Kardashian and Pell serve as producers through Gloria Sanchez Productions, alongside Jessica Elbaum, Will Ferrell, and Alex Brown. Additional production backing comes from Cris Abrego and Longoria’s Hyphenate Media Group.

The cast announcement gained traction in December 2025 when Deadline exclusively reported that Glaser, Song, and Feimster would join Kardashian. Glaser, a stand-up comedian and host known for her biting wit on shows like “Trainwreck: Poop Cruise” and her roast specials, brings sharp comedic timing. Song, recognized for roles in “The Suite Life of Zack & Cody” and recent dramatic turns, adds emotional depth, while Feimster, a comedian and actress from “The Mindy Project” and her own Netflix specials, rounds out the ensemble with her signature warmth and humor.

Kardashian, the reality television icon and business mogul behind SKIMS and KKW brands, has steadily expanded into acting. She previously starred in Hulu’s legal drama “All’s Fair” and appeared in Season 12 of “American Horror Story” as publicist Siobhan Corbyn opposite Emma Roberts. “The Fifth Wheel” represents her biggest cinematic leap yet, positioning her as the disruptive force in a story about female friendship dynamics.

Filming locations in Los Angeles have drawn attention, with paparazzi capturing the stars on set in February 2026. Reports indicate production is nearing completion, with sources suggesting a wrap around mid-March. No official release date has been announced, but industry speculation points to a late 2026 or early 2027 Netflix premiere, aligning with the streamer’s strategy for high-profile comedies.

The first-look images have sparked widespread buzz online. Social media reactions range from excitement over the star-studded lineup to curiosity about Kardashian’s comedic performance. Fans of Glaser praised the potential for roast-like banter, while others highlighted Longoria’s track record in elevating ensemble stories.

Netflix promoted the project as a fresh take on reunion comedies, emphasizing themes of growth, forgiveness, and the chaos of adult friendships. The Vegas setting promises over-the-top antics, from casino mishaps to heartfelt confrontations, all filtered through the lens of four distinct personalities.

Kardashian’s involvement extends beyond acting; as a producer, she has influence over creative decisions, reflecting her growing role behind the camera. The collaboration marks a notable pairing with Ferrell’s production banner, known for hits like “Anchorman” and “Step Brothers,” suggesting a blend of broad humor and character-driven moments.

For Glaser, the role offers another high-visibility platform following her rise in stand-up and television. Song and Feimster, both veterans of comedy and drama, are expected to deliver layered performances that balance laughs with genuine emotion.

As production progresses, anticipation builds for more details, including a potential trailer later this year. The film’s female-led focus and star power position it as a key entry in Netflix’s 2026-2027 slate, competing in a crowded comedy landscape.

The release of these initial images underscores Netflix’s aggressive marketing for buzzy projects, aiming to generate early hype amid a competitive streaming market. With Longoria at the helm and a talented ensemble, “The Fifth Wheel” appears poised to deliver escapist fun centered on the enduring, sometimes messy bonds of friendship.