Thousands of U.S. Marines are set to enter U.S. Central Command on Friday, the same day President Donald Trump’s deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The USS Tripoli, USS New Orleans, and about 2,200 Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit will arrive, though it will take days to reach the strait. The Pentagon has also ordered the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, based in California, to deploy in the coming weeks.

FED'S DALY: THERE ARE AT LEAST TWO POSSIBLE PATHS FOR THE ECONOMY

European new‑vehicle registrations rose 1.7% in February to 979,321 units, led by strong growth in electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association. Germany, Spain, Italy, and the UK saw gains, while France fell nearly 15%. EV sales surged on new subsidies and affordable models, with Germany up 27% and France 28% for battery-only vehicles. Chinese EV makers BYD and Zhejiang Leapmotor gained market share, outselling Tesla in February. Analysts warn the Iran war may slow overall demand, with a prolonged conflict potentially reducing 2026 European sales by 4%.