Emerging-Market Stock Index Sees Worst Monthly Drop in Six Years

A gauge for emerging-market stocks registered its sharpest monthly decline since the pandemic in March 2020, as the Middle East conflict roiled markets and upended global energy shipments.

The benchmark MSCI Emerging Markets Index fell 1% on Tuesday, declining over 13% on a monthly basis and erasing year-to-date gains. Meanwhile, bond sales from emerging markets hit their lowest level for March since 2009.