Next Week Outlook: Middle East Conflict Sparks Safe-Haven Demand, Key Data Releases on Friday

BlockBeats News, February 28th: The US-Iran conflict has fully escalated today. Next week, the US-Iran geopolitical tension will be full of variables, and the global market will oscillate forward in a high degree of uncertainty and risk-off sentiment.

Analysts point out: In addition to direct missile launches, Iran's retaliatory measures may also include mining the Strait of Hormuz—the global chokepoint of oil trade that accounted for 30% of global maritime oil trade last year. However, analysts believe that considering the economic impact on major oil-importing countries, Iran may be more inclined to direct Houthi forces or Iraqi Shia militias as proxies to launch precision strikes on the region's energy infrastructure or US diplomatic institutions.

In addition to the geopolitical situation, the following major macro events are scheduled for next week:

Monday 22:45, US February Markit Manufacturing PMI Final; Monday 23:00, US February ISM Manufacturing PMI.

Tuesday 22:55, FOMC Permanent Voter and New York Fed President Williams speech.

Wednesday 00:55, 2026 FOMC Voter and Minneapolis Fed President Kashkari speech; Thursday 03:00, Fed releases Beige Book; Wednesday 21:15, US February ADP Employment Change; Wednesday 22:45, US February Markit Services PMI Final; Wednesday 23:00, US February ISM Non-Manufacturing PMI.

Thursday 20:30, US February Challenger Job Cuts; Thursday 21:30, US Initial Jobless Claims up to February 28th, US January Import Price Index MoM; Thursday 23:00, US February Global Supply Chain Pressure Index.

Friday 21:30, US February Unemployment Rate, US February Nonfarm Payrolls, US January Retail Sales MoM.