Emerging-market equities swung Friday after US and Israeli efforts eased Iran war fears, sending oil down from near-four-year highs. MSCI EM index fluctuated following Thursday’s 2.7% drop, while EM currencies rose 0.2%, both set for weekly gains. Barclays’ Mitul Kotecha noted market calm is fragile amid volatile news. Oil eased after Trump ruled out ground troops and Netanyahu pledged no further strikes on Iranian energy facilities, following missile damage to Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG hub. Reduce

2026-03-20

Emerging-market equities swung Friday after US and Israeli efforts eased Iran war fears, sending oil down from near-four-year highs. MSCI EM index fluctuated following Thursday’s 2.7% drop, while EM currencies rose 0.2%, both set for weekly gains. Barclays’ Mitul Kotecha noted market calm is fragile amid volatile news. Oil eased after Trump ruled out ground troops and Netanyahu pledged no further strikes on Iranian energy facilities, following missile damage to Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG hub. Reduced Fed easing expectations also weighed on sentiment.