Market news for March 30, 2026: Stock markets slid as a protracted Gulf conflict drove oil prices to a record monthly rise, fuelling a global inflation spike and raising recession risks. Asia, heavily dependent on Middle East energy, suffered significant losses. Brent crude soared almost 59 per cent for the month.

Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news from Singapore and the region.

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S2E481: Oil's record surge, inflation spike and recession risk grip globe