Middle East Tensions and Oil Prices Drag Down Stock Markets

Stock Markets Open Lower The New York Stock Exchange opened lower as Middle East tensions pushed oil prices higher.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.15% to 52,707.90, the S&P 500 dropped 0.17% to 7,660.68, and the Nasdaq slid 0.36% to 26,325.06.
Geopolitical Developments In retaliation for attempted attacks on an American warship, Iran destroyed five crude oil tankers belonging to the U.S.
Navy.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said the strikes were in response to U.S.
attacks on its tankers, while U.S.
Central Command maintained that no U.S.
warship had been hit.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that if Iran continues to target U.S.
naval vessels, it will "lose its tankers." Strategic sites on Hark Island and Cask City were also targeted.
Oil Prices Surge Brent crude rose above $100 a barrel for the first time since July.
At 16:30, Brent futures increased 2.9% to $100.78 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate crude climbed 3.1% to $95.90.
Economic Impact Higher oil prices have stoked fears of persistent inflation.
In the United States, the average 30‑year mortgage rate climbed to 6.85% last week, the highest level since June 2025.
Geopolitical uncertainty and elevated energy costs have kept investors cautious, and expectations for a market rebound remain weak.