US stocks finished lower as hotter-than-expected inflation and escalating US-Iran tensions hit investor sentiment. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq slipped from record levels, led by weakness in tech, while the Dow was comparatively steady. Rising oil prices and expectations that inflation may stay higher further dented hopes for Federal Reserve rate cuts and boosted bets on additional rate hikes.
With Middle East tensions rising, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Indians to save fuel by cutting petrol and diesel use, encouraging work from home, and opting for public transport and carpooling. Nitin Gadkari echoed the message, while Modi also urged people to skip non essential foreign travel and defer gold purchases for at least a year to support foreign exchange reserves and the domestic economy.
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Shell posted its strongest quarterly profit in nearly two years, beating expectations as refining and energy trading benefited from Iran-related geopolitical tensions. The company also increased shareholder payouts. Still, investors cooled off as concerns grew over declining production and whether the trading gains can be sustained, especially after the results release.
Asian markets pulled back from record highs as Middle East tensions escalated, sending crude oil higher and reviving worries about energy supply. The Strait of Hormuz saw an exchange after Iranian-linked attacks, prompting a US response, while President Trump delivered a sharp warning. Traders are watching de-escalation closely, even as the AI trade remains in focus.
US markets are moving in opposite directions: the Dow Jones falls more than 160 points as oil climbs above $100 and Iran tensions dent confidence. At the same time, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq stay positive, helped by resilient tech and AI optimism. Rising Treasury yields add pressure on traditional blue chips, while investors appear to rotate rather than flee risk.
US markets opened lower on Monday as investor anxiety tied to Iran war tensions overshadowed the upbeat momentum from last week’s earnings. The Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq Composite all edged down in early trading, reflecting a risk-off mood even as company results had previously supported sentiment.
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Amid intensifying Iran tensions, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to buy advanced fighter aircraft, including F-35 and F-15IA jets. The move is paired with a major investment push to strengthen Israel’s domestic defence industry, aiming to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers. Netanyahu also referenced next-generation “blue and white” aircraft built using homegrown Israeli technology.
US stocks closed mixed as the S&P 500 and Nasdaq climbed but the Dow Jones dropped. Traders weighed this earnings week’s results alongside oil prices and Iran-related geopolitical risks, while watching the Federal Reserve outlook. Verizon jumped on strong subscriber gains, Domino’s slid after weak sales, and Nvidia rallied again, keeping tech in focus even as broader sentiment softened.
Oil prices jumped for a fifth straight session as Middle East tensions rose, with Iran-related actions near the Strait of Hormuz and reports of air defense engagement stoking supply fears. Analysts warn that if U.S.-Iran talks stall, prices could surge further, potentially pushing Brent toward $150 per barrel.
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