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Trump’s approval hits new 36% low as fuel prices surge amid Iran war, poll finds

US President Donald Trump’s approval rating fell in recent days to its lowest point since he returned to the White House, hit by a surge in fuel prices and widespread disapproval of the war he launched on Iran, a Reuters/Ipsos poll found. The four-day poll, which closed on ‌Monday, showed 36 per cent of Americans approve of Trump’s job performance, down from 40 per cent in a Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted last week. Americans’ views on Trump soured significantly with regard to his stewardship over...

Mar 24, 2026 &03062424202631; 18:06 UTC www.scmp.com Trending 4/5

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Negative for markets

Sentiment score: -65/100

High impact Short-term (days)

WHAT THIS MEANS

Trump's approval rating collapsed to 36% amid Iran war escalation and fuel price surge. Market showing early stress signals (VIX +3.59%, S&P -0.25%) but reaction still developing. Oil-sensitive sectors and defensive positioning likely to intensify.

AI CONFIDENCE

62% High

SENTIMENT GAUGE

NEWS POWER SCORE

AFFECTED ASSETS

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S&P 500

^GSPCIndex

Expected to decline

Fresh political crisis + fuel inflation fears; VIX spike suggests risk-off sentiment accelerating. Early weakness (-0.25%) likely to deepen as energy costs ripple through earnings expectations.

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Oil (WTI Crude)

CL=FCommodity

Expected to rise

Iran war premium + fuel price surge already underway. Geopolitical risk supports crude higher in near term.

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Gold Futures

GC=FCommodity

Expected to rise

Safe-haven demand from political/geopolitical uncertainty; VIX elevation supports gold bid.

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10-Year Treasury Yield

^TNXBond

Expected to decline

Flight-to-safety bid; lower yields as investors rotate to Treasuries amid political/economic uncertainty.

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Euro / US Dollar

EURUSDCurrency

Expected to rise

USD weakness likely as risk-off sentiment and geopolitical premium favor safe-haven EUR relative to growth-sensitive USD.

PRICE HISTORY

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⚡ SUGGESTED ACTION

AVOID long equities; consider defensive rotation (utilities, staples) or tactical short S&P 500. Long crude oil and gold on geopolitical premium. Monitor VIX for capitulation signal before re-entry. [MOVE:1.2%]

KEY SIGNALS

VIX +3.59% — fear index rising sharply, risk-off mode activatingApproval rating 36% (new low) — political instability + policy uncertaintyFuel price surge — inflation concern, margin pressure on transport/logisticsIran war escalation — geopolitical premium, oil volatility expectedS&P early weakness (-0.25%) — early sell signal, likely to accelerate

SECTORS INVOLVED

EnergyUtilitiesConsumer DiscretionaryFinancials

Analysis generated on Mar 24, 2026 at 18:10 UTC

Disclaimer: This analysis is generated by artificial intelligence for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, investment recommendation, or solicitation. Original reporting by SCMP Business. Always conduct your own research and consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Trump’s approval hits new 36% low as fuel prices surge amid Iran war, poll finds

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