Market Minute ⏱️ 3/17/26: Investors Eye Damage from Diesel

Mike Larson | Editor-in-Chief

Energy prices are bouncing along with stocks, gold, and silver. Treasuries and the dollar are hugging the flatline in early trading.

Oil prices are partially reversing yesterday’s retreat after Israel claimed to assassinate key Iranian leaders. Meanwhile, drone and other strikes were reported at the US embassy in Baghdad, an Iraqi oil field, a tanker anchored off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, and the UAE’s Shah gas field.

US Diesel Price (3-Year Chart, as of March 9)

In the most noteworthy energy market development, US diesel prices topped $5 a gallon for the first time in more than three years. The fuel is more closely tied to Persian Gulf problems than other refined products because a large amount of it is produced there. Since diesel is a key fuel used in transportation and logistics, the price spike could ripple through the global economy.

Companies in the AI ecosystem continue to raise – and spend – vast amounts of capital. In the last 24 hours, Atlanta-based T5 Data Centers said it would raise $2 billion in equity while Nebius Group NV (NBIS) said it would sell $3.75 billion in convertible debt. The money will help fund data center construction and cloud service expansions.

Finally, could quarterly earnings reports be on the outs? The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is reportedly considering letting companies shift to twice-yearly earnings releases from quarterly ones. Proponents say it would boost the number of publicly traded companies by reducing the cost of reporting, while opponents maintain it’ll leave potential and current investors with less information to base decisions on.

Any proposal would face a public comment period and there is no guarantee it’ll ultimately be implemented. Companies in other advanced markets, like the UK and continental Europe, have been free to report biannually for several years now.

Schenker: Is the US Preparing for “Cold War Two?”

Volatility is Here. But Our Experts Have the Answers - in Hollywood!

We all know markets are wild right now. You want profits, you need income, and the volatility is making all of it harder. That's exactly why you need to join us in South Florida next month.

At the 2026 MoneyShow Masters Symposium Hollywood Florida, we're bringing together dozens of battle-tested market experts — practitioners who've traded through bear markets, bull markets, and everything in between. They'll be there in person, ready to give you real strategies for what's happening right now. Tap the button below for details — and to claim your pass…

• AEM: Don't Dwell on Higher Diesel Costs. Buy.
  👉️ TICKER: AEM
  Higher oil prices can affect gold-company margins, which have been remarkably strong and rising the last few years. But while these stocks may slip a little more, if you are not invested, you should at least start a position now in stocks like Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. (AEM), says Adrian Day, editor of Global Analyst.

• EOG: A US Producer that Will Prosper from Higher Oil Prices
  👉️ TICKER: EOG
  In 1973, the Arab oil embargo changed global markets overnight. Oil prices quadrupled. And a handful of companies found themselves sitting on assets the world desperately needed. Fast forward to today and EOG Resources Inc. (EOG) looks like a big winner, writes Nicholas Vardy, editor of The Global Guru.

🏖️ 📈 Join 50+ top market experts for the 2026 MoneyShow Masters Symposium Hollywood Florida. Click HERE to get fresh portfolio picks and powerful trading strategies at our beautiful oceanfront venue April 9-11!