U.S. Stock Market Today: The US stock market fell sharply on Thursday morning after President Trump indicated a further escalation in military action against Iran as the S&P 500 lost a staggering $830 billion in a matter of hours. Oil prices rose to above $113 a barrel and tech majors such as Nvidia, Apple, Google and Amazon also saw significant losses.
U.S. Market Snapshot
| Index | Last Close | Change | % Change |
| Dow Jones | 46,358.81 | -206.93 | -0.44% |
| Nasdaq | 21,688.07 | -152.88 | -0.70% |
| S&P 500 | 6,552.71 | -22.61 | -0.34% |
| NYSE | 16,821.45 | -110.12 | -0.65% |
Dow Jones
The Dow Jones dropped by 608 points or 1.3% as technology and retail stocks with high exposure declined and home Depot lost 2.42%, while Boeing lost 1.08% however, there were gains in the energy sector and healthcare sector.
Nasdaq
The Nasdaq Composite lost 152.88 points or 0.7% as technology stocks were affected due to geopolitical tensions and oil price increases.
S&P 500
The S&P 500 lost 22.61 points or 0.34% as market sentiment became cautious due to surges in oil prices and geopolitical tensions.
NYSE
The NYSE showed a general sell-off in stocks across all sectors with oil stocks performing better than technology, retail and industrials stocks.
US Stock Market Sinks After Trump’s Iran Address, Fueled by Rising Oil & Risk Aversion
Markets reacted immediately to Trump’s announcement of potential further strikes on Tehran as S&P 500 fell 1.2%, Dow lost over 600 points and Nasdaq declined 1.6%. Futures hinted at this earlier, which turned into a full-blown sell-off.
How are Amazon & Tesla influencing the US stock market today rally?
Amazon (-2.22%) and Tesla (-3.84%) were significant drags in the Nasdaq and S&P 500 with high-growth stocks continue to feel the heat.
Why is the US Stock Market Today Reacting to Oil Prices & War Fears?
Crude oil is up past $113 per barrel and the rise in oil is causing inflation worries. Energy stocks are gaining traction while west Texas Intermediate Crude Oil is up by 13%. The rise in oil is past $109 per barrel.
U.S. Dollar & Treasury Yields Rise as Safe-Haven Demand Increases
The US dollar rose by 0.6% against a basket of major currencies due to investors seeking safe haven assets amid the tensions with Iran. Treasury yields have increased somewhat with the 10-year note rising to 3.91% from 3.85% and indicating an increase in inflation expectations.
US Jobless Claims Fall to 202,000, Missing Estimates
Initial US jobless claims decreased to 202,000 for the week up to March 28, which was less than the predicted 212,000. Continuing jobless claims also declined by 25,000 to 1.841 million, the lowest since September 28, 2024 and the four-week moving average also decreased to 1.838 million.
How Oil Prices & Inflation Fears are Shaping the US Stock Market Surge Today
- WTI Crude Spike: West Texas Intermediate crude oil rose 13% to $113+ per barrel and this has created investor nervousness about rising energy costs.
- Brent Crude: Brent crude oil futures rose 7% to above $109. This indicates the risks faced in the global supply of crude oil.
- The rise in crude oil has created inflationary pressure and this may cause the Fed to maintain interest rate support for longer.
- The tech sector has been impacted. NVIDIA -1.91%; Intel -4% and Micron -6.47%.
- Exxon Mobil +3.10% and Chevron +3.37% benefited from the rise in crude oil prices.
- The rise in fuel prices may impact consumers and this may affect the retail sector.
- The rapid movement in crude oil prices has increased the volatility in the US stock markets and this has caused an $830 billion wipeout in the S&P 500.
- The rise in crude oil prices has caused investors to move from the tech sector to the energy sector.
Gold falls over Rs 6,000 as geopolitical tensions lift US dollar, hit sentiment
Gold prices have plunged by over Rs 6,000 with June 2026 contracts falling to Rs 1,50,028 per 10 grams, down by 2.39%. The US dollar has gained strength due to rising tensions with Iran, thus reducing the demand for bullion while silver exchange-traded funds have fallen by 4-5%.
Why Gold & Silver Prices Surged Despite a Stronger Dollar
- Geopolitical tensions in Iran provided support to gold and silver prices for a short period.
- The price of gold on COMEX was at $4,813, down by 2.73%, whereas silver was at $71, down by 6%, showing mixed results.
- Gold and silver were attractive despite an appreciating US dollar, as inflationary concerns were hedged for short-term periods.
- The selling pressure was limited, but it was volatile, hence providing support to upward surges.
- The uncertain markets were reflected through selective buying in bullion, even as markets were showing positive sentiments for USD.
Bitcoin Retreats Below $66,000 as Risk Assets Sell Off
The price of gold and silver rose on a temporary basis due to the appreciation in the dollar value because of geopolitical tensions. The price of gold on the COMEX was recorded at $4,813, declining by 2.73% similarly, the price of silver fell by 6% to $71.
KEY STATS
- Open: 68,146.86
- Prev Close: 68,155.42
- Day High: 68,641.21
- Day Low: 65,727.04
Crypto Fuels Drone Purchases in Russia & Iran, Report Says
A new report by Chainalysis found that Russian and Iranian actors are increasingly using cryptocurrency to buy military drones and parts at low prices via global e-commerce sites. Actors supporting Russia have raised more than $8.3 million in cryptocurrency since 2022 with transactions worth between $2,200 and $3,500 matching price points for drones.
How Major Stocks & Sectors Moving in the US Stock Market Today
- Energy: ExxonMobil +3.10%, Chevron +3.37%
- Tech: NVIDIA -1.91%, Apple -1.75%, Alphabet -2.53%, Microsoft -0.86%
- Semiconductors: Broadcom -3.22%, Micron -6.47%, AMD -3.74%
- Finance: JPMorgan -1.86%, Bank of America -1.78%, Citigroup -2.77%
- Retail & Consumer: Tesla -3.84%, Amazon -2.22%, Caterpillar -2.8%
Is this US stock market today decline a short-term dip or a bigger trend?
- Short-term shock due to geopolitical tension
- Oil prices may continue driving volatility
- Broader correction possible if conflict escalates
- Job market stability provides some support
- Large investors recalibrating positions
What investors should watch next in the US stock market
- Iran conflict developments
- Oil price movements toward $120
- Fed policy signals and inflation data
- Tech sector volatility
- Upcoming economic reports and jobs data
Why Tech Stocks Are Leading the Market Surge Today
- High exposure to risk-off sentiment
- Large index weighting amplifies moves
- Vulnerable to inflation and higher rates
- Semiconductor weakness signals caution
- Growth stock sensitivity to economic slowdown
Top Gainers Today
- Dow Jones: Intel, Chevron, J&J, Travelers, UnitedHealth
- Nasdaq: Intel, Netflix, Costco, Intuit, PepsiCo
- S&P 500: CME, Intel, Waste Management, Occidental, ConocoPhillips
Top Losers Today
- Dow Jones: Home Depot, Sherwin-Williams, Nike, Boeing, Apple
- Nasdaq: Tesla, Regeneron, Micron, ASML, Qualcomm
- S&P 500: Estée Lauder, Tesla, Regeneron, Bristol-Myers, ServiceNow
FAQ’s: Stock Market Update Today
Q1: Why did the US stock market drop sharply today?
A1: Markets reacted to Trump’s Iran speech and rising oil prices.
Q2: Which sectors were most affected?
A2: Tech and growth stocks fell, while energy gained.
Q3: How did oil prices respond to geopolitical tensions?
A3: WTI crude surged 13% to above $113 per barrel.
Q4: Did safe-haven assets like gold benefit?
A4: Gold fell due to a stronger US dollar and liquidity pressures.
Q5: Are these market moves short-term or long-term?
A5: Currently a short-term shock, but prolonged tensions could lead to a broader correction.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The Sunday Guardian suggests that readers consult with a certified financial advisor before making any investment or money-related decisions. The stock market involves significant risk.
