US stocks rebounded on Wednesday as hopes of deescalating tensions in Iran and stronger-than-expected private payrolls data lifted investor sentiment. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite gained 1.3%, while the S&P 500 rose 0.8% and the Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 0.5% after closing lower the previous day. Bitcoin surged past $73,000, hitting a one-month high, as market participants viewed the Middle East conflict’s potential resolution as a catalyst for risk appetite. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, now in its fifth day, continued to weigh on global markets. Fresh Israeli strikes on Tehran and Iran’s anticipation of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s funeral contributed to volatility. South Korea’s benchmark index suffered its largest one-day drop in history, reflecting fears of broader regional instability. However, Wall Street’s mood improved after reports suggested Iran had reached out to the U.S. for potential talks to end the war. Geopolitical tensions have driven significant swings in U.S. stocks, with some investors buying dips amid uncertainty. Analysts cautioned against relying on President Trump to intervene, as his recent pledge to provide insurance and escorts for oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz aimed to ease supply concerns. However, experts questioned the effectiveness of this measure, given the potential for renewed oil price spikes that could threaten inflation control and limit Federal Reserve rate-cutting room. Oil prices stabilized following news of Iran’s outreach, with Brent crude futures trading near $81 a barrel and West Texas Intermediate at about $73. Meanwhile, private sector job growth in February surprised economists, with ADP reporting 63,000 new jobs added—above the 50,000 estimate. The data will influence expectations for the Federal Reserve’s upcoming interest rate decisions.#iran #israel #brent_crude #ali_khamenei #wto
