Dow Closes More Than 200 Points Higher as Traders Look Past Iran War Stocks rose on Wednesday, building on the momentum seen late in the previous session, as the surge in oil prices pulled back following developments in the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran and fears about a U.S. economic growth scare faded. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 238.14 points, or 0.49%, to close at 48,739.41. The 30-stock index snapped a three-day run of losses. The S&P 500 gained 0.78% and ended at 6,869.50, while the Nasdaq Composite moved 1.29% higher and settled at 22,807.48. Technology stocks supported the broader market, particularly those in the chips space. Micron Technology and Advanced Micro Devices each advanced more than 5%. Broadcom and Nvidia climbed more than 1% apiece. A couple of strong economic data releases bolstered sentiment among investors Wednesday. Firstly, ADP reported that private sector companies added more jobs than anticipated in February. On top of that, the U.S. nonmanufacturing sector recorded better-than-expected growth last month with easing inflation pressures. "The concerns of a softening labor market at least maybe turning into a deteriorating labor market [are] being kind of challenged right now," said Ameriprise chief market strategist Anthony Saglimbene. "The U.S. economy stands on firm ground." The reaction to the economic data occurred alongside the rally in oil prices losing steam after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNBC on Wednesday that the U.S. is going to make "a series of announcements" to support the flow of oil through the Persian Gulf. Brent crude oil futures and U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures eased on Wednesday, with the international benchmark settling flat and WTI closing up 0.13%.#dow_jones_industrial_average #s_p_500 #nasdaq_composite #micron_technology #advanced_micro_devices
