🔴 EUAD is trading 3.2% down today on hawkish Fed signals and Middle East energy crisis

EUAD is trading 3.2% down today as a hawkish Federal Reserve stance and escalating Middle East tensions trigger a broader market selloff.

• The Fed held interest rates at 3.50–3.75% on March 18, 2026, signaling only one potential rate cut this year as geopolitical instability fuels persistent inflation.
• Escalating conflict between Israel and Iran has spiked Brent crude to $115/barrel, driving the VIX up 12.2% to 25.09 and souring risk sentiment across industrial sectors.
• Major indices are under pressure, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq falling 0.8% and 1.23% respectively, overshadowing the defense sector's traditional safe-haven appeal.