March 23, 2026

The week ended on a negative note for U.S. stock indices

International

Last week ended with widespread declines across the major U.S. stock indices. The S&P 500 fell by 1.5%, while the Nasdaq dropped by 2.0% and the Dow Jones by 1.0%. As a result, year-to-date, the indices have accumulated declines of -5.0%, -6.9%, and -5.2%, respectively.

This week, the focus will be primarily on the evolution of the geopolitical conflict between Iran and the U.S.-Israel alliance. On the economic front, the most significant event in the United States will be the release of the preliminary March Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) figures, compiled by S&P Global. For manufacturing, the latest reading was 51.6 points, while for services it was 51.7 points. We remind you that a reading above 50 points indicates expansion of activity, while a reading below 50 points indicates contraction. Meanwhile, in Chile, the decision on the benchmark interest rate will be announced, which is expected to remain unchanged at 4.5%.

Finally, U.S. Treasury bond yields rose on Friday. The 1-year bond yield rose from 3.72% to 3.79%, and similarly, the 3-year bond yield rose from 3.79% to 3.91%. Meanwhile, the 10-year bond yield rose from 4.25% to 4.38%.

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