Turkish Stocks Slide as Iran Tensions Trigger Lira Intervention

Market snapshot — March 2, 2026

• The Borsa Istanbul 100 Index opened down 5.3% and was trading 4.0% lower by 11:07 a.m. local time on March 2, 2026.
• The Turkish lira (TRY) was quoted at 43.97 per US dollar.
• Escalating tensions in Iran drove a broader regional selloff and prompted the central bank to support the lira.

Key takeaway (quotable)

"Turkish assets came under pressure on March 2, 2026 as escalating tensions in Iran triggered a regional selloff; the Borsa Istanbul 100 Index opened down 5.3% and the central bank intervened to support the lira, which was trading at 43.97 per dollar."

What happened

Markets in Turkey experienced a sharp risk-off move on the morning of March 2, 2026 after geopolitical tension in Iran intensified. Equity markets opened with a steep drop: the benchmark Borsa Istanbul 100 Index fell 5.3% at the open and had trimmed losses to a 4.0% decline by 11:07 a.m. The exchange rate for the Turkish lira showed limited movement from session highs and was trading at 43.97 per dollar during the same window.

Central bank support for the currency was deployed as part of broader efforts to stabilize domestic markets. The combination of a rapidly falling equity benchmark and currency stress signaled increased risk aversion among institutional and retail investors in the EMEA region.

Why it matters for traders and institutions

• Volatility spike: A >5% opening move in the Borsa Istanbul 100 Index indicates a rapid repricing of risk for Turkish equity exposures. Position sizing and stop-loss frameworks should be reviewed immediately.
• Currency risk: The lira at 43.97 per dollar and active central bank support highlights elevated currency intervention risk. Hedging decisions for foreign-currency denominated positions should account for potential policy-driven moves.
• Regional contagion: Escalating tensions in Iran can transmit to nearby markets through trade, investor sentiment and commodity channels. EMEA fixed-income and equity allocations may require tactical reassessment.

Actionable considerations

• Liquidity checks: Confirm liquidity in BIST-listed names before executing sizeable trades; large market moves can widen spreads and increase execution costs.
• Reassess hedges: Review existing FX and equity hedges. Intervention by the central bank can alter short-term correlations between the lira and local assets.
• Stress-test portfolios: Run scenario analyses that incorporate a prolonged regional risk-off event to quantify potential drawdowns and margin impacts.
• Monitor order flow and circuit breakers: Be alert for trading halts or circuit-breaker activations if selling pressure continues.

Signals to watch next

• Intraday price action in the Borsa Istanbul 100 Index: look for stabilization or follow-through selling beyond the morning session.
• Lira exchange-rate behavior vs. major FX crosses: persistent weakness or renewed intervention will affect importers, exporters and local banks.
• Central bank announcements or liquidity operations: official support measures can change market dynamics quickly.
• Regional headlines and commodity price moves: developments related to Iran and energy markets can drive further volatility in Turkish assets.

Tickers and market context

• EMEA: Turkey is part of the EMEA region where geopolitical events in the Middle East can rapidly influence investor sentiment.
• Borsa Istanbul 100 Index (BIST 100): the domestic benchmark that fell sharply at the open and was trading 4.0% down by mid-morning.
• TRY/USD (lira per US dollar): quoted at 43.97 during the observed session.

Implications for sectors and institutional investors

• Export-oriented sectors may face mixed outcomes: a weaker lira can support export competitiveness but persistent instability raises operational and counterparty risks.
• Banks and financials: currency depreciation and market volatility can strain domestic banks through asset-quality and margin pressure if exposures are unhedged.
• Foreign investor flows: heightened risk aversion tends to reduce foreign participation in local markets, increasing the sensitivity of prices to domestic liquidity conditions.

Short-term outlook and trading framework

In the short term, expect elevated intraday volatility with market direction heavily influenced by geopolitical headlines and any additional central bank measures. For professional traders and institutional desks, maintain strict risk controls, prioritize execution quality in stressed markets and keep hedging strategies aligned with changing policy signals.

Data points for reference

• Date and time: March 2, 2026; 11:07 a.m. local time (mid-morning session reference)
• Borsa Istanbul 100 Index: opened down 5.3%; trading 4.0% lower by 11:07 a.m.
• Turkish lira: 43.97 per US dollar

Conclusion

The market reaction on March 2, 2026 underscores how geopolitical tension in the Middle East can trigger swift repricing in EMEA assets. The combination of a sharp equity selloff and central-bank intervention in the currency market creates a fast-moving environment where disciplined risk management and timely hedging are essential for professional traders and institutional investors.