Pre-Market Report – Wednesday 18 March: US markets push slightly higher | Oil up, gold steady

A positive night on Wall Street even though Brent oil rose 3% as the Iranian conflict drags on indefinitely. Sentiment around travel and consumer spending got a boost after airline stocks Delta and American Airlines raised revenue guidance for the current quarter. The S&P500 rose 0.2% and the Nasdaq 0.4%. The Dow lifted 47 points. The VIX fell back 4.8% to 22.3.Gold was steady, around US$5011. The fact that it’s not spiking suggest the market is not panicking around the Iranian situation. Bitcoin was steady too. Will they move together or keep to their historical zig and zag? SPI Futures up 11 points. ASX set to open higher.—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.