Market news for March 17, 2026: Stocks climbed on rate hopes despite Middle East conflict, led by Asia-Pacific gains. Australia hiked rates amid sticky inflation, setting a cautious tone for major central banks weighing the Iran war's impact.

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.

Written by: Howie Lim (howielim@sph.com.sg)

Produced and edited by: Chai Pei Chieh & Claressa Monteiro

Produced by: BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media

Produced with AI text-to-speech capabilities

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Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice. 

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Market news for March 17, 2026: Stocks climbed on rate hopes despite Middle East conflict, led by Asia-Pacific gains. Australia hiked rates amid sticky inflation, setting a cautious tone for major central banks weighing the Iran war's impact.
Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day&rsquo;s market movements and news from Singapore and the region.
Written by: Howie Lim (howielim@sph.com.sg)
Produced and edited by: Chai Pei Chieh &amp; Claressa Monteiro
Produced by: BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media
Produced with AI text-to-speech capabilities
---
Follow Market Focus Daily and rate us on:
Channel: <a href="https://bt.sg/btmktfocus/">bt.sg/btmktfocus</a>
Amazon: <a href="https://bt.sg/mfam">bt.sg/mfam</a>
Apple Podcasts: <a href="https://bt.sg/mfap/">bt.sg/mfap</a>
Spotify: <a href="https://bt.sg/mfsp/">bt.sg/mfsp</a>
YouTube Music: <a href="https://bt.sg/mfyt">bt.sg/mfyt</a>
Website: <a href="https://bt.sg/mktfocus/">bt.sg/mktfocus</a>
Feedback to: btpodcasts@sph.com.sg
Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party&rsquo;s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.&nbsp;
Discover more BT podcast series:
BT Money Hacks at: <a href="https://bt.sg/btmoneyhacks">bt.sg/btmoneyhacks</a>
BT Correspondents at: <a href="https://bt.sg/btcobt" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://bt.sg/btcobt&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1725767545308000&amp;usg=AOvVaw1MZyDZ2ZxkzhbmmY3UOc3Z">bt.sg/btcobt</a>
BT Podcasts at: <a href="https://bt.sg/podcasts">bt.sg/podcasts</a>
BT Lens On: <a href="https://bt.sg/btlenson">bt.sg/btlenson</a>

Join us at the closing bell — for a look at the day's markets and the news that drove them.

Market Focus Daily is a closing bell look at markets and the news that drove its movements-every trading day. Market Focus Weekly rounds up the week with expert analysis and insights for a big picture look at the trading week ahead.

Produced by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media.

Market Focus Daily is a closing bell look at markets and the news that drove its movements-every trading day. Market Focus Weekly rounds up the week with expert analysis and insights for a big picture look at the trading week ahead.
Produced by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media.