Gold has fallen to $4,500 since the end of February 2026 due to geopolitical conflicts, with global capital markets turbulent as the S&P 500 index dropped 5%. U.S. Treasury yields have risen, safe-haven assets underperformed, and fund flows to money market funds reached historical highs, indicating a market preference for "cash is king." Bitcoin remains volatile and has not yet become a safe-haven asset.
Citigroup has lowered its target prices for Bitcoin and Ethereum, signaling a more conservative stance on the medium-term outlook for the crypto market. Bitcoin's target price was reduced from $143,000 to $112,000, while Ethereum's was lowered from $4,304 to $3,175, primarily due to the slow progress of U.S. crypto legislation. Despite upside potential over the coming year, the market may remain volatile in the near term, with Ethereum's valuation being particularly dependent on fundamentals.
Gate News reported that on March 20, White House officials stated that despite reports of new troop movements and a possible blockade of Halul Island, Trump has "no" plans to deploy military forces to Iran. The official added that the U.S. military "is ready to seize Halul Island at any time," but currently retains multiple options and will not disclose specific strategies.
UBS raises its oil price forecasts for 2026-2027 due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and Middle East conflict impacts. The 2026 oil price forecast is $86/barrel, and 2027 is $80/barrel, assuming the conflict will continue until early April.