The international financial and geopolitical landscape has reached a critical turning point this

March 2026. While banking institutions refine their investment portfolios, the military

escalation in the Persian Gulf threatens to reshape global energy costs and the public spending

of major world powers.

Visa Joins Bank of America’s Exclusive "US 1" List

Bank of America (BofA) has recently updated its prestigious "US 1" list, adding Visa (NYSE: V)

as one of its analysts' highest-conviction investment ideas. Analysts maintain a "Buy" rating for

the company, based on three strategic pillars:

• Digital Payments Leadership: Consolidation of its global infrastructure.

• Stablecoin Expansion: Successful adaptation to the digital asset ecosystem.

• Post-Pandemic Recovery: Strong growth in cross-border transaction volumes.

This selection reflects BofA’s high confidence in Visa’s growth potential amid the evolving

fintech sector.

Oil: Extreme Volatility and the Threat of $200 Barrels

The energy market is facing an unprecedented supply crisis. The near-total closure of the

Strait of Hormuz has forced Gulf producers to implement drastic cuts, removing between 6.2

and 6.9 million barrels per day from the global market.

Tensions escalated following warnings from Iran: if attacks on its energy infrastructure

continue, crude oil prices could skyrocket to US$ 200 per barrel. This situation keeps

commodity markets on high alert, anticipating a global inflationary shock.

U.S. Priority: Quadrupling Defense Production

In an official announcement via Truth Social on March 6, 2026, President Donald Trump

confirmed that top U.S. defense firms have agreed to quadruple the production of advanced

weaponry.

Following a successful meeting with industry giants such as Raytheon, Lockheed Martin,

Boeing, Northrop Grumman, BAE Systems, Honeywell Aerospace, and L3Harris, theReport 12 /03 /2026

administration aims to accelerate the manufacturing of high-precision arms. According to the

White House, the expansion is already underway with active plants and a "virtually unlimited"

supply of munitions for the ongoing conflicts in Iran and Venezuela.

China: Minimum Growth and Rising Military Budget

Beijing has set its 2026 growth target between 4.5% and 5%, the lowest figure in decades. This

goal seeks to manage stagnant domestic consumption and a weakening real estate sector.

However, during the annual "Two Sessions" political meetings, China announced a 7% increase

in its defense budget. This move is intended to counter U.S. influence and assert its claims in

the South China Sea and Taiwan, amid growing trade pressures from Washington.

The Cost of War: A Multibillion-Dollar Impact

The conflict against Iran is carrying a heavy price tag for U.S. taxpayers. Initial estimates

suggest spending has already exceeded US$ 1 billion due to military deployment and the use

of high-cost hardware.

Among the most significant losses is the crashing of three F-15E Strike Eagle fighters in Kuwait,

representing a direct impact of approximately US$ 270 million (at US$ 90 million per unit).

Defense experts warn that if the war extends, total spending could climb toward US$ 100

billion, testing the economic resilience of the current administration.

Conclusion: Strategy in Times of Uncertainty

In a scenario where $200 oil and the expansion of the defense sector dictate the market's

pulse, diversification and technical analysis are more vital than ever. While the Iran conflict

raises fiscal costs, opportunities like Visa’s inclusion in the "US 1" list prove there are always

pockets of growth for the vigilant investor. At FX Live Capital, we continue to monitor every

geopolitical move so you can turn volatility into a strategic advantage for your portfolio.