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Stocks Rise on Softer Inflation Data, but AI Jitters Trigger Worst Week Since November
Even a cooler-than-exected inflation reading couldn’t keep stocks from posting their worst week since November.
Stocks initially rose after the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that consumer-price growth slowed to an annual pace of 2.4% in January. Easing price pressures, coupled with this week’s robust labor data, reassured some investors that there is a path for the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates without an economic downturn.
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The steepest oil-price runup since the early days of the Ukraine war sent benchmark oil prices above $90 a barrel on Friday, a signal that traders are increasingly fearful that the spiraling Middle East conflict could spark an energy shock.
Futures for Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, jumped more 8.5% Friday to 92.69 a barrel, its highest level since 2023. The one-day surge was the sharpest since March 2022. For the week, the price rose 27%, a record.
WTI crude, the U.S. benchmark, surged by 12%, its biggest daily jump since 2020. U.S. crude finished the day at $90.90 a barrel, up a record 36% for the week, according to Dow Jones Market Data.
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Business
Thailand’s Ministry of Finance, Bank of Thailand, and IMF on 2026 Annual Meetings Preparations
Thailand’s Ministry of Finance and IMF reviewed preparations for the 2026 Annual Meetings, highlighting progress in logistics, security, and facilities at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok.
📅 Event & Timing: Thailand will host the 2026 Annual Meetings of the IMF and World Bank Group from October 12–18, 2026 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) in Bangkok.
🤝 Organizers: The Ministry of Finance, the Bank of Thailand, and the IMF are jointly overseeing preparations.
🏗️ Preparations: Progress has been made in logistics, construction, security, and branding, with strong coordination among stakeholders.
🌍 Bangkok’s Role: The QSNCC is praised as a world-class facility, reinforcing Bangkok’s position as a regional hub for international conferences.
Bangkok, Thailand — March 4, 2026: Thailand’s Ministry of Finance, the Bank of Thailand, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) today took stock of preparations for the 2026 Annual Meetings of the IMF and the World Bank Group, which Thailand will host from October 12–18, 2026 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC). The discussion brought together Dr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance; Mr. Vitai Ratanakorn, Governor of the Bank of Thailand; and Dr. Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the IMF.
The authorities and the IMF were very pleased with progress in many areas, including construction, security, and branding. Preparations are advancing well, supported by close coordination between all stakeholders. They praised the world-class facilities at QSNCC, which stands ready to host the Meetings, and highlighted Bangkok’s role as a leading regional hub for international conferences. The partnership between the IMF and the authorities has been excellent and will ensure successful and impactful meetings. The 2026 Annual Meetings will mark the second time Thailand hosts the Annual Meetings at QSNCC, following the 1991 Meetings.
Dr. Nitithanprapas states that Thailand’s selection as the host country once again represents an important opportunity for the nation. “Hosting the 2026 Annual Meetings at the QSNCC, the venue built specifically for hosting 1991 Annual Meetings, symbolizes not only Thailand’s significant progress made over the past 35 years but also its continued role as a pillar of stability and a hub for global economic cooperation,” Dr. Nitithanprapas said. “Importantly, Thailand is only the third country outside of the United States to host this ‘Olympics of Finance’ more than once, further showcasing Thailand’s capacity to organize world-class events.”
Source : https://www.bot.or.th/en/news-and-media/news/news-20260304.html
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A topsy turvy day has Treasury yields ending Friday’s session lower, while still logging hefty weekly gains.
Yields, which move in the opposite direction of bond prices, initially climbed overnight with oil prices. They then fell immediately after a disappointing jobs report, only to rebound and then fall again.
Bonds are facing strong crosscurrents. Pushing up on yields, rising energy prices are making investors worried about a rebound in inflation that could make it harder for the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates. Even so, some investors think that the Middle East conflict could eventually cause yields to fall by slowing the economy and increasing demand for safer assets.
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