Thanks for signing up for DividendStocks.com! It's the daily newsletter built for dividend and income investors. Before we can begin sending your daily updates, there’s one quick step left. Please confirm your subscription using the link below so our emails reach your inbox. Click Here to Confirm Your Subscription to DividendStocks.com Here’s a small glimpse of what you’ll get access to: Dividend Stock Ideas — Each newsletter features dividend stocks with high yields, sustainable payouts, and strong growth potential. Ex-Dividend Stocks — Want to capture upcoming dividend payouts? Find out which stocks are going ex-dividend this week. Market News and Events — Stay in the loop on the latest developments impacting popular dividend names like AT&T, Exxon Mobil, IBM, Procter & Gamble, and Verizon. Bonus: As a thank-you for confirming, you’ll also receive a free PDF copy of Automatic Income, our popular guide to building wealth through dividend investing. Let’s get your dividend journey started! Discover Top Income-Generating Stocks Here See you in your inbox soon, The DividendStocks.com Team P.S. Don’t miss out click here to verify your subscription and secure your daily dividend insights and your free investing guide!
This Month's Bonus Story Is the Airline Stock Dip After the Iran Attacks Justified?Submitted by Nathan Reiff. Originally Published: 3/10/2026. 
Key Points - Many airline stocks have plummeted by 20% or more in the last month amid the start of war in Iran and related oil price volatility.
- Airline companies face numerous negative pressures related to the war, including canceled flights, the potential for suppressed demand, and more.
- Jet fuel prices and cracks have spiked, meaning that even airlines not doing business within the area of conflict will feel the repercussions.
- Special Report: Have $500? Invest in Elon's AI Masterplan
As the war in Iran continues, it's unsurprising that airline stocks have been among the first to show a significant reaction. These shares are closely tied to fuel costs, geopolitical stability, and consumer demand—all three have grown more volatile as the conflict escalates and widens. Both major carriers and smaller domestic and regional names have seen sharp declines: shares of Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) and American Airlines Group Inc. (NASDAQ: AAL) have fallen roughly 22% and 27%, respectively, over the past month. For investors, lower prices can present an opportunity to reinforce a position in the airline sector. But it's important to weigh whether the initial shock of the conflict—and the resulting oil-price uncertainty—actually justifies the selloff, given airlines' generally strong recent domestic performance. If the conflict proves prolonged and pushes fuel costs or demand lower, waiting to enter or add to positions may be prudent. Major Air Carriers Face Multiple Negative Drivers Are You Overpaying Your Capital Gains Tax Bill? If you've sold investments or property in the last year, you may be able to reduce capital gains taxes depending on your situation. Take this free 2-minute quiz to get matched with a fiduciary advisor in your area who may be able to help you keep more of what you've built. Take the free quiz. Delta, American, and other large carriers have been hit particularly hard because several negative factors are occurring at once. First, thousands of commercial flights to and from parts of the Middle East have been canceled, creating direct operational and logistical costs while reducing potential revenue. Second, jet-fuel prices have jumped. The Argus US Jet Fuel Index climbed to $3.88 on March 6 from $2.50 just a week earlier. While crude oil has been volatile since the conflict began, refined petroleum products have seen even greater strain: jet-fuel prices and "cracks"—the spread between crude oil and refined jet fuel—have widened sharply. Finally, consumer demand is an important but less predictable factor. In its most recent earnings report, Delta remained optimistic about demand despite concerns around a potential government shutdown, citing loyalty and cargo growth, and improvements in non-ticket revenue streams. Fellow Big Four carrier United Airlines (NASDAQ: UAL) echoed that optimism in its Q4 2025 report, pointing to its highest-ever seat completion factor and a 12% year-over-year increase in premium revenue. Still, if consumers expect higher gasoline and other prices tied to oil-market swings, discretionary spending on leisure travel could retreat as households redirect funds to essentials. That effect might not be immediate, but it could persist even after fuel markets stabilize. Can Regional Airlines Fare Any Better? Even airlines that do not operate in the Middle East are feeling pressure, largely because fuel is a universal cost. Domestic carriers and smaller regional operators have generally not been spared. One modest exception is Air Canada (TSE: AC), whose shares have declined only about 13% in the past month. Still, that relative outperformance is hardly a triumph for the industry as a whole. Some Wall Street analysts are already adjusting forecasts: since the start of the month, for example, Weiss downgraded DAL to Hold from Buy, and other firms have trimmed price targets. That may lead some investors to wait for further price drops before committing capital. It can also be useful to monitor short-interest trends as a barometer of market sentiment. Several carriers, including American, were seeing rising short interest even before the conflict began, which could intensify if sentiment sours further. Ultimately, how attractive airline stocks are depends on the duration and escalation of the war. If conditions deteriorate significantly, the sector could see much larger declines—evoking the dramatic downturn experienced early in the COVID-19 pandemic. For now, bearish investors may bide their time to see just how low airline stocks can fall. |