Stock market news for March 17, 2026 U.S. stock markets saw gains on Tuesday as Wall Street capitalized on recent momentum amid escalating tensions in the Iran war. The S&P 500 closed up 0.25% at 6,716.09, while the Nasdaq Composite rose 0.47% to 22,479.53. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 46.85 points, or 0.1%, to 46,993.26. The surge came amid volatile oil prices and ongoing geopolitical developments, with global benchmark Brent crude oil climbing 3% to surpass the $100 mark. Investor sentiment remained influenced by the conflict, as rising oil prices and the war’s fallout continued to shape market dynamics. The consumer discretionary sector outperformed, with gains of 1% driven by travel booking stocks like Expedia Group and Booking Holdings. Strong revenue guidance from airlines Delta and American Airlines further bolstered the sector, despite its overall decline of over 2% for the month. Energy stocks led the market, adding nearly 1% to their month-to-date gains, which now exceed 4%. The oil price rebound followed remarks from President Donald Trump, who suggested that a coalition to secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz was still under consideration. Trump later tweeted that the U.S. did not require NATO or other nations’ assistance for the escort plans, claiming that “we have decimated Iran’s Military.” However, stocks and crude prices fluctuated after the post, indicating investor uncertainty about the potential for a coalition. Analysts noted that while hopes for a swift resolution persist, the market remains cautious about the long-term implications of the conflict.#iran_war #strait_of_hormuz #delta_airlines #expedia_group #booking_holdings
