Stocks fell sharply amid renewed Middle East conflict fears, with the S&P down 2% and NASDAQ extending losses. Energy and materials led gains while communication services lagged, and a choppy rally reflected hopes for ceasefire talks.

The episode explains why the war is likely to leave a lasting inflationary footprint, pushing yields higher and creating a stagflationary bias even as growth faces only modest drag. Investors should expect continued volatility, sector rotation, and higher-for-longer rates.

For a copy of this week's Doll's Deliberations click on the following link March 30 or go to www.crossmarkglobal.com for additional insight and investment solutions.