Maskot/DigitalVision via Getty Images Capital Markets Highlights After three years of double-digit gains, the stock market1 fell -4.33% in the first quarter of 2026. The quarter got off to a strong start in January and February, following good Q4 earnings reports, optimistic forecasts for the year ahead, and expectations that the Federal Reserve would lower interest rates during the year. Things went south in March (down -4.98%) after the U.S. and Israel began bombing Iran on February 28. The immediate  ...