WSJ Your Money Briefing What’s News in Markets: Campbell’s Snack Problem, Centene Sinks, Petco Optimism
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Mar 14, 2026 Markets swung with oil-driven volatility and geopolitical headlines. Campbell’s faces weakening salty-snack sales and a guidance cut. Centene is under pressure from Medicaid reimbursement fights and falling ACA enrollments. Petco outlines a profit comeback with leadership changes and private-label focus.
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Oil Moves Drove Market Direction
- Oil price swings were the dominant market driver this week, pushing indexes lower as Brent settled at its highest since Aug 2022.
- Supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz and a coordinated 400M-barrel IEA release left oil briefly dipping then climbing above $100 a barrel.
Campbell's Snack Sales Pressure Stock
- Campbell's cut its fiscal outlook as snack net sales fell 6%, with chips and pretzels weak, triggering a sharp stock drop.
- The company plans more promotions, possible price cuts and accelerated cost savings while PepsiCo is already cutting some snack prices up to 15%.
Medicaid Rate Turmoil Hits Centene
- Centene shares plunged after Medicaid rate disputes and worries over rising insurer costs and fewer Affordable Care Act enrollees.
- Even after reaffirming guidance at a healthcare conference, Centene fell 16% that day and ended the week down 21%.