Stock Market Slides as Iran Conflict Drives Oil Prices Higher US stock indices fell on Friday amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500, and Nasdaq Composite all declining as oil prices surged. The market’s retreat followed concerns over the prolonged conflict, which has raised fears of a protracted war and its economic fallout. President Trump’s decision to delay US strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure by an additional 10 days, pushing the deadline to April 6, added to the uncertainty. While the move signaled a potential shift toward deescalation, analysts remain skeptical about the likelihood of a peace deal, given Iran’s continued refusal to comply with US demands. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite dropped 1%, entering correction territory, while the Dow Jones and S&P 500 fell by approximately 0.7%. These declines followed steep losses on Thursday, reflecting investor anxiety over the geopolitical crisis. Oil prices climbed over 2% as attacks in the region intensified, with Brent crude surpassing $103 per barrel and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) reaching $97. The rise in oil prices has sparked worries about its impact on global economies, particularly as the Strait of Hormuz remains a critical chokepoint for energy exports. The Senate passed a funding bill for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and other Department of Homeland Security operations, excluding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This vote marks a key step toward ending the partial federal government shutdown, which has disrupted airport operations and threatened economic stability.#iran #dow_jones_industrial_average #s_p_500 #nasdaq_composite #us_stock_indices
Stock Market Slides as Iran Conflict Intensifies, Oil Prices Rise US stock indices fell on Tuesday amid escalating tensions with Iran, as investors grappled with reports of potential military deployments and ongoing diplomatic talks. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 0.2%, the S&P 500 fell 0.4%, and the Nasdaq Composite slid 0.8%, with tech stocks leading the decline. The market’s retreat intensified in the afternoon after The Wall Street Journal reported plans to send 3,000 troops from the Army’s elite 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East. President Trump reiterated that the US is in negotiations with Iran, stating, “They want to make a deal so badly.” However, the Pentagon’s potential troop movement raised concerns about the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil chokepoint that has been blocked since the conflict began. Oil prices rebounded, with West Texas Intermediate (CL=F) rising 4% to over $91 a barrel and Brent crude (BZ=F) climbing toward $104. The conflict’s impact on global markets became evident as oil prices surged, reflecting fears of prolonged supply disruptions. Analysts noted that the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed, blocking 15 to 16 million barrels per day of oil. This has triggered a sharp rise in energy prices, with Brent crude futures up 40% and WTI crude up 30% since the war began. Ramsay, a senior energy analyst, warned that rising oil prices could cut global growth by 1% if prices rise 30-40%, citing the slow pace of new production. The market’s volatility extended to cryptocurrency and tech stocks. Circle (CRCL) plummeted 19%, its largest single-day drop on record, amid speculation about the Clarity Act, a proposed bill that could restrict yield offerings on stablecoins.#iran #dow_jones_industrial_average #s_p_500 #nasdaq_composite #us_stock_indices
