Investment Week at a Glance
Stocks finished lower for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 3.0%, the S&P 500 was down 2.0%, and the NASDAQ fell 1.2%. Foreign stocks (MSCI EAFE) were also down for the week, falling 6.2%. Bond prices were down for the week, with the 10-year U.S. Treasury ending the week at 4.14%. (Data source: Wall Street Journal)
Tensions Rise in Middle East
We are one week into the Iran conflict, and there is no sign of a quick resolution as of now. Oil prices have soared, and markets have taken a hit as uncertainty rises. Markets have had a pretty smooth rise since last year’s liberation day tariffs, and now volatility is back. Although it is never fun, markets do tend to have a 5% pullback each year and a 10% correction every ~19 months. Markets are near the 5% decline mark, which came off all-time high levels. As always in times like these, it is important to keep long-term goals in mind and not make rash decisions.
Jobs Report Disappoints
Somewhat lost in the news last week was a disappointing payroll report, as we saw a 92,000 loss in payrolls. Unemployment only rose marginally to 4.4% and remains historically low. One reason we have not seen a larger rise in unemployment is that immigration has slowed down considerably, with estimates that we only need 20,000-50,000 in job gains a month to maintain this unemployment rate. Despite this, it is another worry investors are paying attention to and may get more attention if we see unemployment continue to rise.
Exxon Mobil Stock Up Over 25% Year to Date
The largest energy company in the United States, Exxon Mobil (XOM), continues to perform well, with its stock price rising over $30 per share since the start of the year. On January 30th, 2026, the company beat earnings, reporting $6.5 billion in net income (GAAP). Output reached its highest level in over four decades at 4.7 million oil barrels per day for the entire year (XOM Investor Relations). With spiking international crude oil prices following the conflict in the Middle East and significant disruptions to global energy supply, domestic energy producers such as Exxon Mobil and Chevron may benefit. Exxon’s Q1 earnings report is set to be released in late April and should provide an early glimpse of how the conflict is altering the company’s revenue. (CNBC)
If you have any questions regarding your account with MGO, please call us at (216) 771-4242 or send an email to us at ask@mgo-inc.com
Quiz
What is the current price of oil per barrel? (Scroll Down for Answer)
- $61
- $79
- $93
- $116
Answer:
4. $116. Oil prices peaked early Monday morning at $116 as the war in Iran continues on. This is more than double the price of oil when we started this year. Prices will likely continue to have drastic moves until this conflict is settled.
Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. The information contained herein has been prepared solely for informational purposes. Nothing contained herein should be construed as a recommendation to either buy or sell any security or economic sector, or implement any strategy discussed. Please consult with your financial advisor, accountant, and/or attorney before acting on this information. MGO-Inc is a DBA of OneSeven. OneSeven is an investment advisor registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Registration with the SEC does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Investment Products are Not FDIC Insured, Offer No Bank Guarantee, and May Lose Value.
