US stocks limped into the weekend with a broad, risk‑off selloff, capping a fourth straight weekly decline as the Iran war kept oil elevated and Fed‑cut hopes on ice.

Index performance

The Dow fell roughly 1% on Friday and is now nearing correction territory and now off 8.16% after four consecutive weekly losses.
The S&P 500 slid about 1.5% on the day, with nearly every sector in the red except Energy and is now off 5.83% over the last month.
The Nasdaq Composite dropped around 2% Friday, extending its recent underperformance as tech and AI leaders bore the brunt of de‑risking and is off 5.41% over the last month.

Macro and geopolitics

The Iran war remained the dominant macro narrative, with markets focused on the risk that the US could move to seize a key Iranian energy terminal to reopen traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
Crude stayed elevated after recent surges and is approx $98/bbl Friday afternoon, reinforcing fears that higher energy costs will bleed back into inflation just as the Fed was expected to begin cutting rates.
Traders further marked down the probability and size of 2026 Fed rate cuts, worried that sticky oil‑driven inflation will keep policy restrictive for longer.

Sectors, oil, and “safe havens”

Energy stocks finished the week as one of the few bright spots, with sector gains north of 3% tied to the jump in oil tied to the Middle East conflict. The Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) closed at $59.31, +2.79% over the last 5-days.
Financials remained under pressure, with the S&P 500 financial sector tracking an 11% year‑to‑date decline amid growing concern about cracks in private credit.
Gold notably failed to act as a haven: futures slid toward roughly $4,500 an ounce and suffered their worst weekly drop since the early 1980s, weighed down by a strong dollar and fading expectations for near‑term Fed easing.

Market tone and positioning

Volatility picked up as the steady grind lower turned into a more decisive end‑of‑week flush, with investors reducing exposure to crowded tech and AI trades and rotating selectively into energy and other geopolitically leveraged plays. The CBPE Volatility Index is now up +40.28% over the last month.
With the S&P 500 now several percent off recent highs and leadership shifting away from mega‑cap growth, the tape is behaving less like an orderly valuation reset and more like a position‑clearing phase driven by geopolitical and inflation shocks.

VP Watchlist Updates

Below is an update‑style snapshot on the VP Watchlist names for the week, focused on recent catalysts, positioning, and narrative rather than precise price moves.

Serina Therapeutics (NYSE: SER, $2.54, +63.87% over the last 5-days)

Serina Therapeutics (NYSE: SER) (www.serinatx.com) seems to have have just traded itself into Wall Street’s good graces, pairing fresh capital with a late-session pop that suggests investors are finally starting to connect the dots between polymer chemistry and portfolio returns. In Huntsville, Alabama, Serina Therapeutics announced definitive agreements for a private placement of common stock and pre-funded warrants that could bring in up to 30 million dollars in gross proceeds. The first 15 million dollar tranche is expected to close on March 20, 2026, with a second tranche of up to 15 million dollars anticipated by April 30, 2026, subject to customary closing conditions.

What makes the deal stand out in a biotech tape crowded with discounts is the pricing: the securities are being sold at about 2.25 dollars per share, a roughly 68 percent premium to Serina’s March 17 closing price, signaling that insiders are willing to pay up for exposure to the company’s clinical agenda. The financing also adds board-level heft, with director Greg Bailey, M.D., stepping into a Co-Chairman role as he leads the investment, a move that effectively puts the capital and the governance on the same optimistic page. Learn more here.

AleAnna, Inc. (ANNA, $7.07, +86.54% on Friday)

AleAnna, Inc. (ANNA, $6.53, +72.30%) just turned a dry technical milestone—its year‑end reserves report—into something closer to an Italian energy renaissance, with proved natural gas reserves jumping 47% after a year of active production. For investors hunting for credible growth stories in a world of energy-transition buzzwords, this is one of the rare cases where the molecules are actually catching up to the marketing. Learn more here.

Eupraxia Pharmaceuticals (EPRX, $7.60, +1.20%)

Eupraxia Pharmaceuticals Inc. (“Eupraxia” or the “Company”), a clinical-stage biotechnology company leveraging its proprietary Diffusphere™ technology designed to optimize local, controlled drug delivery for applications with significant unmet need, announced (March 17) positive symptom data from patients in the two highest dose cohorts from its ongoing Phase 1b/2a part of the RESOLVE trial evaluating EP-104GI for the treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis (“EoE”). “We are very pleased to see such a meaningful symptom response at 24 weeks in the highest dose of the Phase 1b/2a portion of the RESOLVE study,” said Dr. James A. Helliwell, Chief Executive Officer of Eupraxia. “We believe this type of response based on a single administration procedure would represent a compellingly different option for EoE patients. Importantly, the response that we are observing across cohorts 4-9 has increased as patients progress through the study through to week 24. We believe this demonstrates the importance of stable, continuous long-term local steroids in tamping down signs of inflammation quickly and acting on fibrosis in the longer term. Also, as previously reported, we continue to be encouraged by the safety profile that we have observed with EP-104GI. Currently, with 31 patients dosed in the Phase 1b/2a study, and over 220 months of follow up, there have been no reported serious adverse events.”

Modular Medical (MODD $.1832)

Modular Medical recently priced a public offering of 68,098,000 shares of common stock (or pre-funded warrants) alongside warrants to buy an equivalent number of shares, targeting gross proceeds of about 12 million dollars before fees. The combined public offering price of roughly 17.62 cents per share and accompanying warrant comes at a premium to the prevailing market, a rare feat in a sector where financings often resemble clearance sales rather than premium shelf space.
Earlier this month, the company began production of validation lots for its disposable cartridge and infusion set, keeping it on track for a planned commercial launch in the first quarter of 2026, contingent on FDA 510(k) clearance—an event path that positions upcoming regulatory decisions as key stock catalysts.

GeoVax Labs (GOVX, $1.47)

GeoVax announced (Feb. 24) the formation of its Oncology Advisory Board with the appointment of three internationally recognized leaders in immuno-oncology, translational medicine, and clinical development. This Advisory Board will play a central role in guiding the scientific, translational, and clinical advancement of GeoVax’s oncology program, focused primarily on Gedeptin(R), the company’s gene-directed enzyme prodrug therapeutic (GDEPT). GeoVax plans to conduct a Phase 2 trial with Gedeptin in the neoadjuvant setting, pairing it with an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) in locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. In parallel, it will be evaluating combination Gedeptin + ICI strategies across additional solid tumor indications.
GeoVax announced on Wednesday, Feb. 18 that it has entered into an exclusive worldwide license agreement with Emory University for intellectual property covering the use of Gedeptin(R) in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs).
On February 17, GOVX issued a statement endorsing the urgent call to action articulated by Rosamund Lewis, MD (WHO Head, Poxviruses Programme) and colleagues in their recently published PLOS Medicine article, “The mpox epidemic is not over: Reducing disproportionate burden in Africa and persistent global risk require a sustained response.” (https://journals.plos.org/plosmedicine/article/file?id=10.1371/journal.pmed.1004893&type=printable)
Shares can gap sharply on any trial or regulatory update, positive or negative.

The InterGroup Corporation (INTG, $38.14, +4.49% over the last 5-days)

InterGroup Corporation delivered (Feb. 17) a notably stronger quarter, highlighted by a 20% jump in total revenue to $17.3 million and a 27% surge in hotel revenue as renovated rooms returned to service and travel demand improved. The company swung from a prior-year net loss to $1.0 million in net income, with operating income more than doubling to $2.0 million, underscoring better cost control and improved operating efficiency. Management further enhanced liquidity and sharpened strategic focus by selling a non-core 12‑unit Los Angeles multifamily property, generating a meaningful gain and additional working capital while maintaining stable performance across its real estate portfolio.

Volato Group, Inc. (SOAR) & M2i Global, Inc. (MTWO)

Volato Group, Inc. announced (March 10) that it has entered into an amendment to its Aircraft Management Services Agreement with flyExclusive, Inc. (“FLYX”) providing for the sale of certain legacy intellectual property assets. The agreement provides for consideration valued at approximately $1.3 million, payable in FLYX Class A common stock, subject to customary conditions. The assets relate to legacy intellectual property developed during earlier stages of the Company’s technology initiatives and are not part of Volato’s current operating platforms. Volato continues to evaluate opportunities to streamline its asset base and focus resources on strategic priorities, including the continued development of its core software platforms and the pending business combination with M2i Global, Inc.
Volato and M2i Global reaffirmed their goal of closing their business combination in the first quarter of 2026, citing steady advancement through SEC review and integration planning as they move toward a combined listing. The deal, originally announced in 2025, will effectively transition Volato from a pure‑play private aviation operator into a diversified platform spanning aviation technology and critical minerals, with M2i shareholders expected to own the majority of the combined entity. Operationally, the partnership is already visible: the two companies recently initiated their first shipment of titanium ore from Western Australia to the United States from Titanium X, underscoring how the critical‑minerals vertical could become a meaningful growth engine as domestic supply‑chain security rises in strategic importance.
On Feb. 4, M2i Global,Inc.along with Volato Group, Inc. announced that Titanium X has initiated its first shipment of titanium ore from Western Australia to the U.S. under its collaboration agreement.

NVIDIA (NVDA, $172.70) (NOK, $7.98)

In an AI market obsessed with GPUs and stardust, Nokia (NOK) is quietly reminding investors that none of this magic moves without serious plumbing. While Nvidia (NVDA) prepares to headline its GTC 2026 “Woodstock of AI” showcase, the chip giant has already written a very real check to Nokia, committing a $1 billion investment to help rewire the world’s networks for 5G‑Advanced, 6G, and AI‑native workloads. The message is simple enough: GPUs may be the new rock stars, but networking is the stadium.
Nvidia delivered strong fourth-quarter results recently, posting revenue of $68.1 billion, well above analyst expectations. Looking ahead, the company projects $7.8 billion in revenue for the first quarter of 2026, reflecting continued robust demand for its AI chips even amid broader market headwinds.
NVIDIA and Nebius Group N.V. (NASDAQ: NBIS) (March 11) announced a strategic partnership to develop and deploy the next generation of hyperscale cloud for the AI market, from AI natives to enterprises. NVIDIA will invest $2 billion in Nebius.

McDonald’s (MCD, $308.85)

In the run-up to World Protein Day on 27th February, McDonald’s India (West & South), owned and operated by Westlife Foodworld, is celebrating Protein Week, reinforcing its leadership in nutrition-led innovation. Making protein more accessible, affordable and customizable, Indian consumers can use the McDonald’s app to explore these nutritious offerings and avail of protein burgers starting at just INR 69. Enhancing this convenience, consumers ordering via McDelivery can also enjoy free delivery on the Protein Plus meal range.

Opendoor (OPEN, $4.91)

Opendoor Technologies, a leading e-commerce platform for residential real estate transactions, reported financial results for its fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2025. They highlighted the following: October 2025 acquisition cohort tracking as best-performing October in Company history; acquisitions increased 46% quarter-over-quarter while inventory days in possession reduced 23%.
Opendoor continues to navigate a challenging housing backdrop characterized by still‑elevated mortgage rates and tight existing‑home inventories, which weigh on transaction volumes even as affordability slowly improves. The company’s focus on disciplined acquisition spreads, inventory turns, and ancillary services remains central to the investment debate as markets handicap the pace and magnitude of any 2026 housing recovery.

lululemon athletica inc. (LULU, $162.82, +3.19% over the last 5-days)

lululemon athletica inc. announced (MARCH 17) the appointment of Chip Bergh, former President and Chief Executive Officer of Levi Strauss & Co., to its Board of Directors, effective immediately. With this addition, lululemon has added five new independent directors to the Board in the last five years, reflecting the Board’s commitment to ongoing refreshment.

Heartflow, Inc. (HTFL, $26.02, +26.99% over the last 5-days)

Heartflow, Inc. (HTFL), the leader in AI technology for coronary artery disease (CAD), reported (March 18) financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2025. Fourth Quarter 2025 Highlights included:

Total revenue of $49.1 million, a 40% increase year-over-year
Gross margin of 79.5%, non-GAAP gross margin of 79.9%
Net operating loss of $17.8 million, non-GAAP net operating loss of $12.5 million
U.S. installed base of 1,465 accounts as of December 31, 2025
U.S. Plaque installed base of 489 accounts as of December 31, 2025
Aetna began coverage of Heartflow Plaque Analysis, bringing total U.S. covered lives for Plaque to approximately 75%

The Sources

Yahoo Finance – “Stock market today: Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq sell off to end another brutal week as Iran war rages”
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/live/stock-market-today-dow-sp-500-nasdaq-sell-off-to-end-another-brutal-week-as-iran-war-rages-200057954.html[uk.finance.yahoo]
Yahoo Finance – “Stock market today: Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq futures edge up, set for weekly loss amid Iran war, inflation jitters”
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/live/stock-market-today-dow-sp-500-nasdaq-futures-edge-up-set-for-weekly-loss-amid-iran-war-inflation-jitters[finance.yahoo]
Yahoo Finance – “Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq futures retreat as oil rallies amid Iran war, inflation worries”
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/live/stock-market-today-dow-sp-500-nasdaq-futures-retreat-as-oil-rallies-amid-iran-war-inflation-worries[finance.yahoo]
Yahoo Finance – “Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq futures climb as Iran war, inflation jitters set to send stocks to another losing week”
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/live/stock-market-today-dow-sp-500-nasdaq-futures-climb-as-iran-war-inflation-jitters-set-to-send-stocks-to-another-losing-week[finance.yahoo]
Yahoo Finance – “Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq slide amid inflation worries as Iran war sends oil surging”
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/live/stock-market-today-dow-sp-500-nasdaq-slide-amid-inflation-worries-as-iran-war-sends-oil-surgingfinance.yahoo+1
Yahoo Finance – “Stock market today: Dow, S&P 500 slip for second day, oil jumps as Iran war rages on”
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/live/stock-market-today-dow-sp-500-slip-for-second-day-oil-jumps-as-iran-war-rages-on-200311229.html[finance.yahoo]
Yahoo Finance – “The Iran War shocked global markets. Macro and commodities traders got crushed”
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/iran-war-shocked-global-markets-141652209.html[finance.yahoo]
CNN Business – “US stocks recover, gold rises and oil surges as war with Iran spreads”
https://www.cnn.com/2026/03/02/investing/oil-us-stock-market-iran[cnn]
CNN Business – “Oil prices jump and gold hits $5,000 as tensions ramp up between US and Iran”
https://www.cnn.com/2026/02/19/investing/oil-gold-prices-us-iran-tensions[cnn]
CNN Business – “Oil surges and stock futures sink as war in Iran threatens crude supply”
https://www.cnn.com/2026/03/01/business/oil-prices-us-attack-iran-vis[cnn]
The New York Times – “Global Markets Whipsaw After U.S.-Israel Attack on Iran”
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/01/business/stock-market-iran-war-fallout.html[nytimes]
The New York Times – “Stocks Drop as Inflation Risk Emerges in Wake of Iran War”
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/03/world/middleeast/stock-markets-iran.html[nytimes]

March 20, 2026 – Wall Street Ducks For Cover As Iran Shockwaves Turn “Buy The Dip” Into “Mind The Crater” This Week -( $ANNA $HTFL $INTG $SER $VIX $XLE Rise!)