Key Takeaways
- Bitcoin maintains position above $66,000, experiencing a modest 6% weekly decline compared to steeper losses across traditional asset classes
- Precious metal markets see gold tumble through nine consecutive sessions, shedding approximately 18% from peak levels
- American equity futures declined Monday morning, with the Dow Jones recording its most extended losing period since 2023
- President Trump delivered a 48-hour deadline to Iran regarding Strait of Hormuz access, warning of potential attacks on energy facilities
- Wall Street analysts at Goldman Sachs increased petroleum price projections, characterizing the Hormuz situation as an unprecedented supply disruption
Digital assets are demonstrating remarkable stability compared to conventional markets as worldwide financial instruments enter their fourth consecutive week of depreciation, fueled by the continuing US-Israeli military engagement with Iran.
During Monday’s Asian trading hours, Bitcoin changed hands at $68,316, registering a 1.5% gain over the previous 24-hour period while posting a 6% weekly decrease. Ether advanced 2.7% to reach $2,059. Among prominent cryptocurrencies, Dogecoin emerged as the weakest performer, declining 7.4% weekly to $0.09.
Tron stood as the sole major cryptocurrency posting positive weekly returns, climbing 3.8%.
American equity index futures signaled additional weakness during early Monday sessions. Dow futures retreated approximately 0.4%, S&P 500 futures decreased 0.5%, and Nasdaq 100 futures slipped 0.6%.
Throughout the week concluding Friday, both the Dow and Nasdaq surrendered roughly 2%, whereas the S&P 500 shed 1.5%. The Dow has now accumulated four consecutive weeks of negative performance, marking its most prolonged downturn since 2023.
Precious metals continued their descent with gold dropping for a ninth straight session on Monday to approximately $4,360. This represents roughly an 18% decline from recent peak values, contradicting its conventional function as a protective asset during international crises.
Alexander Blume, CEO of Two Prime, an SEC-registered investment advisor, characterized the movements in gold and Bitcoin as “more structural than market-based.” He highlighted China and additional nations systematically accumulating gold to diminish reliance on the US dollar, a pattern that reversed when the conflict intensified and liquidity became paramount.
Factors Behind the Widespread Decline
The Iranian conflict has now entered its fourth week. President Trump announced over the weekend his opposition to a ceasefire and delivered a 48-hour deadline on Saturday, warning of potential strikes against Iranian energy installations unless the Strait of Hormuz reopens.
IMPORTANT UPDATE:
Trump gave Iran a 48 hour deadline to open the Strait of Hormuz or he will bomb their power plants
Iran responded they are open to opening the Straits, but want an end to the war and assurances there won’t be more wars
I think we have the foundation for an… pic.twitter.com/KrJW8L2MUL
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) March 22, 2026
Iranian authorities countered by stating any such military action would trigger permanent closure of the Strait alongside retaliatory operations targeting US and Israeli energy infrastructure throughout the region.
Brent crude climbed to approximately $113 per barrel, now reflecting a year-to-date increase exceeding 70%. Goldman Sachs elevated its annual Brent projection to $85 from $77 and adjusted its WTI estimate to $79 from $72. The financial institution characterized the Hormuz obstruction as the most significant supply disruption ever witnessed in global petroleum markets.
Treasury yields climbed as extended military engagement heightened inflation worries, diminishing prospects for monetary policy easing from central banks.
Forward-Looking Analysis
Asian equity markets declined for a third consecutive trading session and are nearing correction levels. European and S&P futures indicated further downward pressure.
Friday will deliver updated figures for the University of Michigan consumer sentiment index, alongside near-term and extended inflation expectations. The S&P Global Flash US PMI data is scheduled for Tuesday release.
Blume noted Two Prime has positioned for elevated funding and futures rates in upcoming weeks, indicating his expectation for greater Bitcoin appreciation than current market valuations suggest.
President Trump’s 48-hour deadline reaches expiration Monday evening.
