Markets remain under pressure as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate, with a critical global energy chokepoint now at the center of investor concern.

In this episode Verdence CIO Megan Horneman explains why the Strait of Hormuz has become the market’s primary focus. The strategic waterway carries roughly 20% of the world’s seaborne oil supply, and with tanker traffic currently down as much as 90–95%, disruptions are sending shockwaves through energy markets and investor sentiment.

Oil prices have surged above $100 per barrel, while gasoline prices are climbing sharply from their January lows. As energy costs rise, investors are increasingly worried about the potential for inflation pressures and a short-term slowdown in consumer spending, especially if higher fuel prices combine with signs of labor market softness.

Megan breaks down how this uncertainty is affecting global equities, why growth stocks and high-valuation sectors are under the most pressure, and how rising interest rates are amplifying market volatility.

📊 How could rising oil prices, geopolitical risk, and inflation concerns shape markets in the weeks ahead? Watch now to hear Megan’s perspective.

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#MarketsWithMegan #OilPrices #MarketVolatility #StraitOfHormuz #Geopolitics #Inflation #StockMarket #Investing #EnergyMarkets #EconomicOutlook #Stagnation

https://youtu.be/lTlSmdB_i4U

Disclaimer: material was prepared by Verdence Capital Advisors, LLC (“VCA”). VCA believes the information and data in this document were obtained from sources considered reliable and correct and cannot guarantee either their accuracy or completeness. VCA has not independently verified third-party sourced information and data. Any projections, outlooks
or assumptions should not be construed to be indicative of the actual events which will occur. These projections, market outlooks or estimates are subject to change without notice. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, investment, accounting, legal, or tax advice. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance
that the future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy, or product or anynon-investment related content, made reference to directly or indirectly in these materials will be profitable, equal any corresponding indicated historical performance level(s), be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. You should not assume that any
discussion or information contained in this report serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from VCA. Due to various factors, including changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the co...

Markets faced another wave of volatility today as a weak February jobs report collided with rising geopolitical tensions and surging energy prices.

In this episode of Markets with Megan, Verdence CIO Megan Horneman breaks down the latest labor market data showing the U.S. economy lost 92,000 jobs in February, while the unemployment rate rose to 4.4%. Although the report raised concerns about labor market softness, several temporary disruptions — including severe weather, healthcare labor strikes, and ongoing federal job reductions — may have distorted the headline numbers.

At the same time, markets are grappling with rising energy prices tied to tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, pushing crude oil to its highest level since 2023 and sending gasoline prices to a two-year high. These inflationary pressures are driving Treasury yields higher and weighing on risk assets.

Megan explains how rising interest rates are putting pressure on growth stocks, small-caps, and global equities, while also highlighting where market pullbacks may be creating potential investment opportunities as valuations begin to reset.

📊 What does the latest jobs report mean for the economy, inflation, and the Federal Reserve? And where might investors find opportunity amid rising volatility?

Watch now to hear Megan’s perspective.

🎧 Subscribe to Markets with Megan for regular insights on economic data, markets, and what it means for investors.

🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an update.

🌐 Full podcast archive: https://marketswithmegan.fm

#MarketsWithMegan #JobsReport #MarketVolatility #Inflation #OilPrices #EconomicData #FederalReserve #StockMarket #Investing #EconomicOutlook

https://youtu.be/YDsB7Ytu3m4

Disclaimer: material was prepared by Verdence Capital Advisors, LLC (“VCA”). VCA believes the information and data in this document were obtained from sources considered reliable and correct and cannot guarantee either their accuracy or completeness. VCA has not independently verified third-party sourced information and data. Any projections, outlooks
or assumptions should not be construed to be indicative of the actual events which will occur. These projections, market outlooks or estimates are subject to change without notice. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, investment, accounting, legal, or tax advice. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance
that the future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy, or product or anynon-investment related content, made reference to directly or indirectly in these materials will be profitable, equal any corresponding indicated historical performance level(s), be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. You should not assume that any
discussion or information contained in this report serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from VCA. Due to various factors, including changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the co...

Markets turned sharply volatile as the Middle East conflict entered its fourth day, expanding beyond initial strikes and raising fears of prolonged disruption in the Strait of Hormuz.

In today’s special Impact Report on Markets with Megan, hear what escalating geopolitical tensions mean for oil prices, inflation expectations, Federal Reserve policy, and global markets.

🚨 Topics Megan Covers:

• Crude oil rises to $77 per barrel, highest level since January 2025
• The VIX volatility index jumps to its highest level since Liberation Day
• The S&P 500 posts its worst day since October
• All 11 sectors trade lower, led by materials, industrials, and consumer discretionary
• Two-year inflation expectations hit a 10-month high
• Fed funds futures move from 3.00% to 3.20%, pricing out rate cuts
• Tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, which moves 20 million barrels per day, drops significantly
• Gasoline prices climb to $3.10, up 30 cents

With oil supply routes under threat and inflation expectations rising, markets may remain volatile in the weeks ahead. Investors are now weighing how long this conflict lasts and whether disruptions in global energy flows continue.

📊 What does higher oil mean for the economy?

• A sustained $10 increase in oil could reduce GDP by 10 to 20 basis points
• The same move could lift headline inflation by 20 basis points
• Higher gasoline prices reduce consumer spending power by billions annually

While short-term volatility is elevated, history shows that geopolitical shocks often become long-term buying opportunities. Megan explains why prior Middle East disruptions have not derailed long-term equity growth and how portfolios were positioned ahead of this risk.

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#OilPrices #StraitOfHormuz #MiddleEastConflict #Inflation #FederalReserve #InterestRates #StockMarket #VIX #EnergyMarkets #MarketVolatility #Investing

https://youtu.be/1IDCiA-4Cwc

Disclaimer: material was prepared by Verdence Capital Advisors, LLC (“VCA”). VCA believes the information and data in this document were obtained from sources considered reliable and correct and cannot guarantee either their accuracy or completeness. VCA has not independently verified third-party sourced information and data. Any projections, outlooks
or assumptions should not be construed to be indicative of the actual events which will occur. These projections, market outlooks or estimates are subject to change without notice. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, investment, accounting, legal, or tax advice. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance
that the future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy, or product or anynon-investment related content, made reference to directly or indirectly in these materials will be profitable, equal any corresponding indicated historical performance level(s), be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. You should not assume that any
discussion or information contained in this report serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from VCA. Due to various factors, including changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the co...