5 Things to Watch on
March 18, 2026

Markets are down more than -0.3% after February's Producer Price Index (PPI) came in well above expectations, rising +0.7% against a +0.3% forecast. YoY PPI climbed to +3.4%, up from +2.9%.

Total mortgage application volume fell -10.9% last week after the 30-year fixed rate jumped to 6.30% from 6.19%, its highest level since year-end, as elevated oil prices from the Iran conflict drove Treasury yields higher. Refinance applications plunged -19% on the week, with conventional refis down -27%, though purchase applications edged up +1% and remain +12% above year-ago levels heading into the spring housing market. Rates have moved slightly lower to start this week, though the Fed meeting today is unlikely to be a major catalyst given markets remain focused on geopolitical developments.

Nvidia (NVDA) has received Chinese approval to sell its H200 AI chips in the country, with CEO Jensen Huang confirming purchase orders are in hand and manufacturing is restarting. The H200, predecessor to NVDA's current Blackwell lineup, was approved for sale to China in December 2025 subject to a 25% tariff. NVDA is also reportedly developing a version of its Groq AI chips compatible with Chinese market restrictions.

Josh D'Amaro officially succeeded Bob Iger as Walt Disney (DIS) CEO at Wednesday's annual shareholder meeting, inheriting a company with mixed Wall Street reception despite recent momentum in streaming profitability and theme parks. D'Amaro, a 27-year DIS veteran who ran the Experiences division, takes over as DIS doubles down on theme park expansion including a new Abu Dhabi resort and looks to sustain consecutive quarters of streaming profitability. Iger will remain as senior advisor and board member through year-end, marking his second CEO handoff in six years after the turbulent Bob Chapek transition.

SoFi Technologies (SOFI) is up +1.3% in premarket trading after CEO Anthony Noto purchased 28,900 shares at a weighted average price of $17.32, totaling ~$500K, following a short report from Muddy Waters Research that sent SOFI down -2.1%. The company called the report "designed to deceive investors," citing a "fundamental lack of understanding" of its financials, and said it intends to explore legal action against Muddy Waters.