Pre-Market Report – Monday 16 March: US markets slip | Kharg Island the focus as oil rises

US stocks finished down for the last session of the previous week. The S&P500 dropped 0.6%, the Nasdaq 0.9% and the Dow 119 points. Brent oil went up again to US$103 a barrel. Almost everything else, commodity wise, was down. Industrial metals in London were all red. Gold slipped again, threatening now to fall below US$5000 an ounce. Gold stocks fell in North America, and copper shares did just the same. There was no shelter in uranium and lithium either. Energy was the second best performer in the S&P500 but again the shares are more subdued than you’d think considering the rise in cashflow. SPI down 61 - Oil the focus - RBA and Fed this week.—Marcus Today – Daily Market InsightsMarcus Today provides clear, practical commentary for self-directed investors – covering markets, portfolios, education, and decision-making without the noise.If you'd like to go further:Start a free 14-day trial of Marcus Todayhttp://bit.ly/mt-trial-podcastJoin Marcus TodayUse code MTPODCAST for 10% offhttp://bit.ly/mt-join-podcast-offerMT20 – Managed ETF PortfolioA professionally managed portfolio run by Marcus Padley and the team, using ASX-listed ETFs with active market timing.http://bit.ly/mt20-podcastPrinciples – How We Think About InvestingA short video series on timing, behaviour, and decision-making. No stock tips.http://bit.ly/mt-principles-podcast—DisclaimerThis podcast is general information only and does not consider your personal circumstances. It is not personal financial advice.