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Middle East Tensions Drive Investors to Safe Money Market Funds

Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at 12:21 PM

Worldwide investors moved billions into secure money market funds this week as escalating conflict between the U.S., Israel and Iran raised concerns about economic stability. Data shows $47.9 billion flowed into these safe-haven investments while stock funds saw major withdrawals.

Financial markets worldwide saw a dramatic shift toward safer investments this week as tensions between the United States, Israel and Iran intensified, raising concerns about potential impacts on global economic growth and price stability.

According to data released Tuesday by LSEG Lipper, American money market funds saw their largest weekly inflows at $30.75 billion, leading all major investment categories as investors flocked to these traditionally secure assets. International bond funds also experienced renewed investor interest during the same period.

Worldwide, money market funds captured $47.9 billion in new investments, marking the second-highest weekly total since February 17, when these funds drew $48.2 billion.

Some riskier investment vehicles also benefited from the market uncertainty. Alternative equity funds in the U.S., which include private equity, hedge funds and leveraged exchange-traded funds that use financial instruments to amplify returns, received approximately $1 billion in new money.

Short-term and municipal bond funds in the United States similarly recorded positive inflows during the reporting period.

Energy-related investments gained traction as commodity prices climbed following military strikes by Israeli and American forces on Iranian targets, which disrupted energy infrastructure and shipping routes through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. Natural resources equity funds focusing on energy and mining sectors attracted fresh investment capital.

Meanwhile, investors pulled back from stock market exposure, withdrawing $9.6 billion from funds focused on U.S. equities. International stock funds excluding U.S. markets and technology sector funds each experienced outflows exceeding $1 billion.

Global equity funds overall lost $9.1 billion on Monday alone, representing the largest single-day withdrawal in more than two months.

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