US-Israel War Sparks Market Concerns Over Stagflation
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Mar 13 2026
0mins
Source: CNBC
- Market Volatility: The ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran has rattled markets, pushing oil prices to $99.78 per barrel, which raises investor fears of 1970s-style stagflation that could adversely affect both equity and bond markets.
- Historical Lessons: According to Capital Economics, the S&P 500 plummeted over 40% in 1973 due to a recession coinciding with the OPEC oil crisis, serving as a cautionary tale for today's investors who must navigate potential economic downturns.
- Gold Underperformance: Despite rising oil prices, gold investors have not seen significant gains as the dollar strengthens, indicating a stark contrast to the 1973 scenario where gold thrived, prompting a reevaluation of gold's hedging capabilities in the current market.
- Small-Cap Outlook: While small-cap stocks thrived in the 1970s, analysts suggest that current market conditions have not yet experienced the necessary
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Stop guessing "Should I Buy NUE?" 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 NUE
Wall Street analysts forecast NUE stock price to fall
10 Analyst Rating
8 Buy
2 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 249.300
Low
168.00
Averages
179.00
High
200.00
Current: 249.300
Low
168.00
Averages
179.00
High
200.00
About NUE
Nucor Corporation is a manufacturer of steel and steel products, with operating facilities in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The Company also produces and procures ferrous and non-ferrous materials primarily for use in its steel manufacturing business. Its segments include steel mills, steel products and raw materials. Its products include carbon and alloy steel in bars, beams, sheet and plate; hollow structural section tubing; electrical conduit; steel racking; steel piling; steel joists and joist girders; steel deck; fabricated concrete reinforcing steel; cold finished steel; precision castings; steel fasteners; metal building systems; insulated metal panels; overhead doors; steel grating; wire and wire mesh; and utility structures. The Company, through The David J. Joseph Company and its affiliates, also brokers ferrous and nonferrous metals, pig iron and hot briquetted iron / direct reduced iron; supplies ferro-alloys; and processes ferrous and nonferrous scrap.
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.
Buffett Invests in Three AI Stocks Despite Tech Hesitance
- Portfolio Concentration Increase: After taking over, Greg Abel has increased the concentration of AI stocks in Berkshire's portfolio to 28%, reflecting a strategic pivot towards future tech trends, despite Buffett's historical caution regarding tech investments.
- Strong Performance of Apple: Apple's stock has risen 15% this year, driven by a robust iPhone refresh cycle and ongoing growth in its high-margin services business, with new AI features expected to further encourage user upgrades and enhance market competitiveness.
- Alphabet's AI Progress: Over the past year, Alphabet has achieved a 63% revenue growth through its Gemini models and cloud computing efforts, demonstrating strong performance in the AI sector, with its stock rising 24% since the beginning of the year, making it a nearly 7% key component of the portfolio.
- Nucor's Market Advantage: Although Nucor is not a traditional AI stock, its close ties to data center construction have allowed it to benefit from strong steel demand, with earnings per share soaring 382% year-over-year last quarter, showcasing its significant pricing power in the data center market.
See More
Warren Buffett's Shift Towards Technology Stocks
- Portfolio Adjustment: Warren Buffett has increased the allocation of AI-related stocks to 28% of invested assets during his tenure, indicating a recognition of emerging tech trends, despite admitting a decline in understanding new industries.
- Apple's Performance: Apple (AAPL), as Berkshire's largest holding at 21.4% of invested assets, benefits from a strong iPhone refresh cycle and high-margin services, which are expected to continue driving stock price growth.
- Investment in Alphabet: Alphabet (GOOGL) saw the addition of 18 million shares under Buffett's leadership, now accounting for 6.8% of the portfolio, with its cloud business growing 63% year-over-year, showcasing strong market demand and profitability.
- Nucor's Market Opportunities: Nucor (NUE) has closely tied itself to data center construction, benefiting from strong steel demand, with Q1 earnings per share soaring 382% year-over-year, and is expected to maintain earnings growth moving forward.
See More
Wall Street's AI-Driven Rally in 2023
- AI Technology Drives Market: Since the beginning of 2023, Wall Street has experienced a remarkable rally primarily driven by the global artificial intelligence technology boom, which is expected to have profound implications for related industries.
- Archer-Daniels-Midland Growth: Zacks Rank #2 Archer-Daniels-Midland is projected to achieve revenue and earnings growth rates of 6.5% and 32.4% for 2023, respectively, driven by a rebound in its human nutrition segment and strong North American demand.
- Casey's General Stores Strong Performance: Zacks Rank #2 Casey's General Stores anticipates revenue and earnings growth rates of 10.8% and 12.4% for 2023, respectively, with resilient inside sales and a high-margin product mix enhancing its profitability.
- Ross Stores Expansion Plans: Zacks Rank #2 Ross Stores expects revenue and earnings growth rates of 8.2% and 15.6% for 2023, respectively, as its effective retail model and expansion plans are set to further enhance market share and profitability.
See More
Two Dividend Kings Recommended by Buffett
- Coca-Cola's Brand Power: Coca-Cola, ranked as the sixth most valuable brand by Forbes in 2020, leverages its strong brand influence and pricing power to maintain a significant presence in retail markets, ensuring stable dividend returns with a 63-year streak of payout increases and a current yield of 2.6%.
- Diversified Beverage Portfolio: Beyond sodas, Coca-Cola has expanded into sports drinks and ready-to-drink alcohol, launching brands like BODYARMOUR and Vitaminwater to adapt to changing consumer tastes, thereby enhancing its market competitiveness and revenue streams.
- Nucor's Sales Surge: Nucor Steel reported a remarkable increase in net sales to $9.4 billion in Q1 2026, up from $7.8 billion a year earlier, with net earnings soaring from $156 million in 2025 to $743 million, reflecting strong demand in construction and infrastructure sectors.
- Future Growth Potential: Nucor's ongoing growth in the data center sector serves as a catalyst for its divisions, and despite a dividend yield of less than 1%, its stock price has surged 113% over the past year, indicating potential returns for investors willing to take on higher risks.
See More
Friday Market Watch: Earnings Reports and Stock Movements
- Workday Earnings Beat: Workday reported earnings that exceeded expectations on both revenue and profit, leading to a stock price increase of over 7%, while also raising its full-year margin outlook, indicating the effectiveness of its AI strategy and potentially attracting more investor interest.
- Deckers Sales Growth: Deckers Outdoor reported a 14.5% increase in Hoka sales and a 9.2% increase in Ugg sales, although its stock fell about 2.5%, the company provided full-year guidance above Wall Street expectations, indicating strong market demand.
- Take-Two Stock Rally: Take-Two Interactive shares rose over 3% after reaffirming that Grand Theft Auto VI will be released in November, despite facing multiple delays, this news may restore market confidence in its future revenues.
- Zoom Guidance Raised: Zoom Communication's earnings beat expectations, with a stock price increase of over 7% and an upgraded full-year guidance, leading KeyBanc to raise its rating from sell to hold, reflecting improved profitability and steady market performance.
See More
Bank of America: Investment Strategies Amid Persistent Inflation
- Persistent Inflation: According to Bank of America, the consumer price index rose 0.6% in April, bringing the annual rate to 3.8%, the highest since May 2023, indicating that inflation remains far from the Federal Reserve's 2% target, necessitating a reassessment of asset allocations by investors to navigate the high inflation environment.
- Commodity Investment Opportunities: Bank of America's strategists highlighted that commodities have performed well, with copper reaching a record high this week and oil prices remaining elevated due to the Iran conflict, recommending investors consider stock ETFs in metals and mining, such as the iShares U.S. Basic Materials ETF (IYM), which is up over 20% year to date.
- Small Cap Value Investments: The bank touted U.S. small cap value stocks as one of the least expensive trades, even after returning 15% to 17% year to date, while also mentioning international small cap value, specifically the Avantis International Small Cap Value ETF (AVDV), which is up 17% in 2026.
- Nuclear Energy Investment Outlook: Bank of America's commodities team forecasts uranium prices to reach $135 by 2027, challenging historical highs, and recommends the Global X Uranium ETF (URA) as a play on this theme, which has risen 22% this year and offers a current dividend yield of nearly 4%.
See More
Buffett Invests in Three AI Stocks Despite Tech Hesitance
- Portfolio Concentration Increase: After taking over, Greg Abel has increased the concentration of AI stocks in Berkshire's portfolio to 28%, reflecting a strategic pivot towards future tech trends, despite Buffett's historical caution regarding tech investments.
- Strong Performance of Apple: Apple's stock has risen 15% this year, driven by a robust iPhone refresh cycle and ongoing growth in its high-margin services business, with new AI features expected to further encourage user upgrades and enhance market competitiveness.
- Alphabet's AI Progress: Over the past year, Alphabet has achieved a 63% revenue growth through its Gemini models and cloud computing efforts, demonstrating strong performance in the AI sector, with its stock rising 24% since the beginning of the year, making it a nearly 7% key component of the portfolio.
- Nucor's Market Advantage: Although Nucor is not a traditional AI stock, its close ties to data center construction have allowed it to benefit from strong steel demand, with earnings per share soaring 382% year-over-year last quarter, showcasing its significant pricing power in the data center market.
See More
Warren Buffett's Shift Towards Technology Stocks
- Portfolio Adjustment: Warren Buffett has increased the allocation of AI-related stocks to 28% of invested assets during his tenure, indicating a recognition of emerging tech trends, despite admitting a decline in understanding new industries.
- Apple's Performance: Apple (AAPL), as Berkshire's largest holding at 21.4% of invested assets, benefits from a strong iPhone refresh cycle and high-margin services, which are expected to continue driving stock price growth.
- Investment in Alphabet: Alphabet (GOOGL) saw the addition of 18 million shares under Buffett's leadership, now accounting for 6.8% of the portfolio, with its cloud business growing 63% year-over-year, showcasing strong market demand and profitability.
- Nucor's Market Opportunities: Nucor (NUE) has closely tied itself to data center construction, benefiting from strong steel demand, with Q1 earnings per share soaring 382% year-over-year, and is expected to maintain earnings growth moving forward.
See More
Wall Street's AI-Driven Rally in 2023
- AI Technology Drives Market: Since the beginning of 2023, Wall Street has experienced a remarkable rally primarily driven by the global artificial intelligence technology boom, which is expected to have profound implications for related industries.
- Archer-Daniels-Midland Growth: Zacks Rank #2 Archer-Daniels-Midland is projected to achieve revenue and earnings growth rates of 6.5% and 32.4% for 2023, respectively, driven by a rebound in its human nutrition segment and strong North American demand.
- Casey's General Stores Strong Performance: Zacks Rank #2 Casey's General Stores anticipates revenue and earnings growth rates of 10.8% and 12.4% for 2023, respectively, with resilient inside sales and a high-margin product mix enhancing its profitability.
- Ross Stores Expansion Plans: Zacks Rank #2 Ross Stores expects revenue and earnings growth rates of 8.2% and 15.6% for 2023, respectively, as its effective retail model and expansion plans are set to further enhance market share and profitability.
See More
Two Dividend Kings Recommended by Buffett
- Coca-Cola's Brand Power: Coca-Cola, ranked as the sixth most valuable brand by Forbes in 2020, leverages its strong brand influence and pricing power to maintain a significant presence in retail markets, ensuring stable dividend returns with a 63-year streak of payout increases and a current yield of 2.6%.
- Diversified Beverage Portfolio: Beyond sodas, Coca-Cola has expanded into sports drinks and ready-to-drink alcohol, launching brands like BODYARMOUR and Vitaminwater to adapt to changing consumer tastes, thereby enhancing its market competitiveness and revenue streams.
- Nucor's Sales Surge: Nucor Steel reported a remarkable increase in net sales to $9.4 billion in Q1 2026, up from $7.8 billion a year earlier, with net earnings soaring from $156 million in 2025 to $743 million, reflecting strong demand in construction and infrastructure sectors.
- Future Growth Potential: Nucor's ongoing growth in the data center sector serves as a catalyst for its divisions, and despite a dividend yield of less than 1%, its stock price has surged 113% over the past year, indicating potential returns for investors willing to take on higher risks.
See More
Friday Market Watch: Earnings Reports and Stock Movements
- Workday Earnings Beat: Workday reported earnings that exceeded expectations on both revenue and profit, leading to a stock price increase of over 7%, while also raising its full-year margin outlook, indicating the effectiveness of its AI strategy and potentially attracting more investor interest.
- Deckers Sales Growth: Deckers Outdoor reported a 14.5% increase in Hoka sales and a 9.2% increase in Ugg sales, although its stock fell about 2.5%, the company provided full-year guidance above Wall Street expectations, indicating strong market demand.
- Take-Two Stock Rally: Take-Two Interactive shares rose over 3% after reaffirming that Grand Theft Auto VI will be released in November, despite facing multiple delays, this news may restore market confidence in its future revenues.
- Zoom Guidance Raised: Zoom Communication's earnings beat expectations, with a stock price increase of over 7% and an upgraded full-year guidance, leading KeyBanc to raise its rating from sell to hold, reflecting improved profitability and steady market performance.
See More
Bank of America: Investment Strategies Amid Persistent Inflation
- Persistent Inflation: According to Bank of America, the consumer price index rose 0.6% in April, bringing the annual rate to 3.8%, the highest since May 2023, indicating that inflation remains far from the Federal Reserve's 2% target, necessitating a reassessment of asset allocations by investors to navigate the high inflation environment.
- Commodity Investment Opportunities: Bank of America's strategists highlighted that commodities have performed well, with copper reaching a record high this week and oil prices remaining elevated due to the Iran conflict, recommending investors consider stock ETFs in metals and mining, such as the iShares U.S. Basic Materials ETF (IYM), which is up over 20% year to date.
- Small Cap Value Investments: The bank touted U.S. small cap value stocks as one of the least expensive trades, even after returning 15% to 17% year to date, while also mentioning international small cap value, specifically the Avantis International Small Cap Value ETF (AVDV), which is up 17% in 2026.
- Nuclear Energy Investment Outlook: Bank of America's commodities team forecasts uranium prices to reach $135 by 2027, challenging historical highs, and recommends the Global X Uranium ETF (URA) as a play on this theme, which has risen 22% this year and offers a current dividend yield of nearly 4%.
See More
