Barclays: Iran Ceasefire Volatility Contained

Barclays analysts say equity market volatility will remain contained as Iran ceasefire deadline approaches on April 7, 8 p.m. EST.
S&P 500 implied volatility has declined meaningfully week‑over‑week, with the 8‑Apr forward curve holding firm and only a modest kink.
Barclays recommends investors use QQQ straddle positions targeting April 8 and April 10 expirations to capture potential surprises around the ceasefire and inflation data.
Traditional hedges like Treasuries, gold, and yen have failed to protect against recent S&P declines, echoing 2022 patterns.