U.S.-Iran Conflict Intensifies Market Volatility
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Mar 17 2026
0mins
Source: seekingalpha
- Increased Market Volatility: As the U.S.-Iran conflict enters its 18th day, volatility in U.S. markets has intensified, with key indices and multiple sectors experiencing steep declines, pushing many stocks into oversold territory and reflecting strong selling pressure.
- Oversold Stocks Identified: Based on momentum indicators, several financial stocks are identified as oversold, including Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) with a Relative Strength Index (RSI) of 30 and a 15-day decline of -9.18%, and Citizens Financial Group (CFG) with an RSI of 30 and a -8.92% deviation, indicating significant price pressure.
- Short-Term Recovery Potential: Despite the current market pressures, if company fundamentals remain intact, this oversold condition could create opportunities for short-term recoveries, prompting investors to focus on fundamentally strong companies to capitalize on potential rebounds.
- Sector Impact Analysis: The financial sector is particularly affected, with companies like Synchrony Financial (SYF) and The PNC Financial Services Group (PNC) also showing RSIs below 30, indicating weakened market confidence in these stocks, which may require time to recover.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Stop guessing "Should I Buy MUFG?" and start using high-conviction signals backed by rigorous historical data.
Sign up today to access powerful investing tools and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Analyst Views on MUFG
About MUFG
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc is a Japan-based company engaged in financial business. It operates through eight business segments. Retail & Digital Business Group provides financial services to individual customers and corporations. Commercial Banking & Wealth Management Business Group provides financial services to corporations and wealth management clients. Japanese Corporate & Investment Banking Business Group provides financial services to large Japanese corporations. Global Commercial Banking Business Group provides financial services to individuals, mid-sized enterprises, and other enterprises. Asset Management & Investor Services Business Group provides asset management, asset administration, and pension services. Global Corporate & Investment Banking Business Group provides financial services to large non-Japanese corporations. Global Markets Business Group provides foreign exchange, funding and other services. It also operates The Other segment.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Berkshire Trails S&P by Largest Margin This Year
- Stock Performance Gap: As of May 2026, Berkshire Hathaway's B shares lagged the S&P 500 by 16.3 percentage points year-to-date, marking the largest gap this year, highlighting the stark contrast between the market's enthusiasm for tech stocks and Berkshire's conservative investment strategy.
- Cash Reserve Status: Berkshire reported cash reserves of $397.4 billion as of March 31, up 6.5% from the end of last year, indicating a robust financial position amid market volatility, yet limiting its opportunities for investment in the rapidly growing AI sector.
- AI Investment Dynamics: New CEO Greg Abel tripled the company's stake in Alphabet to nearly $22 billion in Q1, making it the fifth-largest equity holding, although overall AI exposure remains relatively small, reflecting a cautious approach towards emerging technologies.
- Rail Merger Regulatory Delay: The U.S. Surface Transportation Board has paused its review of the proposed $85 billion merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern, requesting additional information, which could delay a final decision until fall 2027; Berkshire's BNSF has opposed the merger, citing anti-competitive concerns.
See More
MUFG Explores Options for Take-Private of Bank Danamon Indonesia
- Acquisition Exploration: Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group is considering options for taking PT Bank Danamon Indonesia private or selling part of its stake to increase public float, indicating a strategic shift and focus on the Indonesian market.
- Market Value Analysis: Danamon has a market value of nearly 47 trillion Indonesian rupiah (approximately $2.6 billion), with MUFG holding about 92.5% of the shares, which puts pressure on its high ownership ratio amid market fluctuations.
- Regulatory Environment Change: Indonesia's new regulations implemented in 2026 require listed companies to increase their public float within three years to enhance transparency, providing a new context and impetus for MUFG's decision-making.
- Stock Price Reaction: Following media reports of a potential deal, Danamon's shares surged in April, nearly doubling, reflecting positive market expectations and investor interest in the possible acquisition.
See More
Berkshire Hathaway's Portfolio Update Raises Questions
- Portfolio Adjustment: Berkshire Hathaway's latest SEC 13F filing reveals a significant reduction in the number of stocks, indicating that new CEO Greg Abel may sell many of the stocks previously managed by Todd Combs, a change that, while unexpected, was not entirely surprising.
- Delta Airlines Reinvestment: Buffett's reinvestment in Delta Airlines after a six-year hiatus sees the holding's value increase from $2.6 billion to $3.0 billion, reflecting a 14.5% rise, showcasing Abel's early fondness for airline stocks, despite Buffett's non-involvement in this decision.
- Macy's Minor Stake: Buffett's investment in Macy's has grown from $55 million to $63 million, a 14.2% increase, although this position accounts for less than 0.02% of Berkshire's portfolio, indicating Buffett's ongoing interest in bargain-priced stocks and potential investment opportunities.
- Expansion in Japan: Berkshire continues to increase its stakes in Japan, with Mitsubishi's holding rising from 9.7% to 11.1% and Sumitomo's from 9.3% to 10.3%, suggesting that Abel's investment strategy in Japan is deepening, with the total value of six stocks nearing $46 billion.
See More
Japanese Banks Report Record Profits Amidst Uncertain Outlook
- Significant Profit Growth: Japan's three major banks—Mitsubishi UFJ, Sumitomo Mitsui, and Mizuho—reported record annual profits, with Mitsubishi UFJ's net profit rising 30% year-over-year to 2.4 trillion yen, reflecting strong profitability; however, analysts warn that future earnings growth may slow.
- Impact of Rising Rates: Higher yen rates are improving lending margins and supporting net interest income, with Sumitomo Mitsui and Mizuho seeing profit increases of 34% and 41%, respectively, indicating that healthy corporate funding demand and stronger fee income are driving revenue growth.
- Sustainability Challenges: Despite strong current earnings, analysts note that rising credit costs and geopolitical risks could pressure future profitability, especially as global interest rates change, requiring banks to allocate more capital to support balance sheet expansion.
- Monitoring External Environment: Japanese banks are closely monitoring developments in the Middle East, with Mitsubishi UFJ's CEO stating that ongoing tensions could negatively impact earnings, while further rises in oil prices may also affect global economic growth.
See More
Major Earnings Reports Expected Monday: Agilysys, Gossamer Bio, and More
- Earnings Report Preview: On Monday, companies including Agilysys, Gossamer Bio, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, XP, and Yalla Group Limited are set to release their earnings reports, drawing significant market attention to their performance.
- Market Reaction Expectations: Investor reactions to these earnings could lead to notable stock price fluctuations, particularly in the current economic climate where results exceeding or falling short of expectations may provoke strong market responses.
- Industry Impact Analysis: The earnings reports from these companies will provide critical data for their respective industries, especially in the technology and financial sectors, with analysts closely monitoring guidance on future market trends.
- Investor Focus: As earnings season approaches, investors will pay increased attention to these companies' profitability and growth potential to make more informed investment decisions.
See More
Berkshire Hathaway's Major Portfolio Overhaul Under Greg Abel
- Portfolio Restructuring: Under Greg Abel's leadership, Berkshire Hathaway's equity portfolio underwent significant changes in the first three months, adding Delta Air Lines and Macy's, indicating a renewed focus on the airline and retail sectors.
- Massive Alphabet Stake Increase: Berkshire increased its stake in Google's parent company Alphabet by 224% in Q1, making it the company's seventh-largest holding with a market value of $16.6 billion, and the stock has rallied 38% since, showcasing the success of this decision.
- Reduction in Holdings: Abel dramatically cut the number of companies in the portfolio, selling off major stakes including Amazon and Visa, with Amazon's shares reduced from 10 million to 2.3 million, reflecting a significant strategic shift in investment focus.
- Return to Delta Airlines: Berkshire purchased 39.8 million shares of Delta Air Lines in Q1, currently valued at $2.8 billion, marking the company's first return to airline stocks since 2020, demonstrating confidence in the recovery of the airline industry.
See More
Berkshire Trails S&P by Largest Margin This Year
- Stock Performance Gap: As of May 2026, Berkshire Hathaway's B shares lagged the S&P 500 by 16.3 percentage points year-to-date, marking the largest gap this year, highlighting the stark contrast between the market's enthusiasm for tech stocks and Berkshire's conservative investment strategy.
- Cash Reserve Status: Berkshire reported cash reserves of $397.4 billion as of March 31, up 6.5% from the end of last year, indicating a robust financial position amid market volatility, yet limiting its opportunities for investment in the rapidly growing AI sector.
- AI Investment Dynamics: New CEO Greg Abel tripled the company's stake in Alphabet to nearly $22 billion in Q1, making it the fifth-largest equity holding, although overall AI exposure remains relatively small, reflecting a cautious approach towards emerging technologies.
- Rail Merger Regulatory Delay: The U.S. Surface Transportation Board has paused its review of the proposed $85 billion merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern, requesting additional information, which could delay a final decision until fall 2027; Berkshire's BNSF has opposed the merger, citing anti-competitive concerns.
See More
MUFG Explores Options for Take-Private of Bank Danamon Indonesia
- Acquisition Exploration: Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group is considering options for taking PT Bank Danamon Indonesia private or selling part of its stake to increase public float, indicating a strategic shift and focus on the Indonesian market.
- Market Value Analysis: Danamon has a market value of nearly 47 trillion Indonesian rupiah (approximately $2.6 billion), with MUFG holding about 92.5% of the shares, which puts pressure on its high ownership ratio amid market fluctuations.
- Regulatory Environment Change: Indonesia's new regulations implemented in 2026 require listed companies to increase their public float within three years to enhance transparency, providing a new context and impetus for MUFG's decision-making.
- Stock Price Reaction: Following media reports of a potential deal, Danamon's shares surged in April, nearly doubling, reflecting positive market expectations and investor interest in the possible acquisition.
See More
Berkshire Hathaway's Portfolio Update Raises Questions
- Portfolio Adjustment: Berkshire Hathaway's latest SEC 13F filing reveals a significant reduction in the number of stocks, indicating that new CEO Greg Abel may sell many of the stocks previously managed by Todd Combs, a change that, while unexpected, was not entirely surprising.
- Delta Airlines Reinvestment: Buffett's reinvestment in Delta Airlines after a six-year hiatus sees the holding's value increase from $2.6 billion to $3.0 billion, reflecting a 14.5% rise, showcasing Abel's early fondness for airline stocks, despite Buffett's non-involvement in this decision.
- Macy's Minor Stake: Buffett's investment in Macy's has grown from $55 million to $63 million, a 14.2% increase, although this position accounts for less than 0.02% of Berkshire's portfolio, indicating Buffett's ongoing interest in bargain-priced stocks and potential investment opportunities.
- Expansion in Japan: Berkshire continues to increase its stakes in Japan, with Mitsubishi's holding rising from 9.7% to 11.1% and Sumitomo's from 9.3% to 10.3%, suggesting that Abel's investment strategy in Japan is deepening, with the total value of six stocks nearing $46 billion.
See More
Japanese Banks Report Record Profits Amidst Uncertain Outlook
- Significant Profit Growth: Japan's three major banks—Mitsubishi UFJ, Sumitomo Mitsui, and Mizuho—reported record annual profits, with Mitsubishi UFJ's net profit rising 30% year-over-year to 2.4 trillion yen, reflecting strong profitability; however, analysts warn that future earnings growth may slow.
- Impact of Rising Rates: Higher yen rates are improving lending margins and supporting net interest income, with Sumitomo Mitsui and Mizuho seeing profit increases of 34% and 41%, respectively, indicating that healthy corporate funding demand and stronger fee income are driving revenue growth.
- Sustainability Challenges: Despite strong current earnings, analysts note that rising credit costs and geopolitical risks could pressure future profitability, especially as global interest rates change, requiring banks to allocate more capital to support balance sheet expansion.
- Monitoring External Environment: Japanese banks are closely monitoring developments in the Middle East, with Mitsubishi UFJ's CEO stating that ongoing tensions could negatively impact earnings, while further rises in oil prices may also affect global economic growth.
See More
Major Earnings Reports Expected Monday: Agilysys, Gossamer Bio, and More
- Earnings Report Preview: On Monday, companies including Agilysys, Gossamer Bio, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, XP, and Yalla Group Limited are set to release their earnings reports, drawing significant market attention to their performance.
- Market Reaction Expectations: Investor reactions to these earnings could lead to notable stock price fluctuations, particularly in the current economic climate where results exceeding or falling short of expectations may provoke strong market responses.
- Industry Impact Analysis: The earnings reports from these companies will provide critical data for their respective industries, especially in the technology and financial sectors, with analysts closely monitoring guidance on future market trends.
- Investor Focus: As earnings season approaches, investors will pay increased attention to these companies' profitability and growth potential to make more informed investment decisions.
See More
Berkshire Hathaway's Major Portfolio Overhaul Under Greg Abel
- Portfolio Restructuring: Under Greg Abel's leadership, Berkshire Hathaway's equity portfolio underwent significant changes in the first three months, adding Delta Air Lines and Macy's, indicating a renewed focus on the airline and retail sectors.
- Massive Alphabet Stake Increase: Berkshire increased its stake in Google's parent company Alphabet by 224% in Q1, making it the company's seventh-largest holding with a market value of $16.6 billion, and the stock has rallied 38% since, showcasing the success of this decision.
- Reduction in Holdings: Abel dramatically cut the number of companies in the portfolio, selling off major stakes including Amazon and Visa, with Amazon's shares reduced from 10 million to 2.3 million, reflecting a significant strategic shift in investment focus.
- Return to Delta Airlines: Berkshire purchased 39.8 million shares of Delta Air Lines in Q1, currently valued at $2.8 billion, marking the company's first return to airline stocks since 2020, demonstrating confidence in the recovery of the airline industry.
See More
