US Stocks Close Lower as Nasdaq Ends 13-Day Streak Amid Rising US-Iran Tensions
US stock indexes fell on Monday, with the Nasdaq Composite snapping its 13-day winning streak due to escalating tensions between the US and Iran. Oil prices surged over 6% following the US seizure of an Iranian ship and warnings from Iran about shipping disruptions. Investors are monitoring upcoming earnings reports, retail sales data, and a Federal Reserve nominee's confirmation hearing.
yahoo.comUS stock futures showed minimal movement Monday night after major indexes declined during the regular session, influenced by heightened geopolitical tensions. The S&P 500 slipped 0.24%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.01%. The Nasdaq Composite dropped 0.26%, ending its longest positive streak since 1992.
Tensions The market downturn followed weekend developments where the U.S. had struck and seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman. Iran said it wouldn't participate in a new round of peace talks with the United States and warned that the Strait of Hormuz closure would persist until the US lifts its blockade.
A ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran is set to expire this week, contributing to investor uncertainty. Shipping in the Strait of Hormuz halted again after a brief reopening on Friday. Oil prices rallied sharply in response. Brent crude jumped over 6% to more than $96 per barrel.
Consumer discretionary stocks fell 1.2%. Several companies are scheduled to report earnings before Tuesday's market open, alongside the release of March retail sales data. Investors remain bullish on the broader picture ahead for equities despite the dip.
A chief equity strategist projected the S&P 500 could reach 7,300 by July.
“We still think that the market is going to overshoot to the upside. In a prepared statement, the nominee emphasized the central bank's need for independence and focus on core goals. The nominee stated that the Fed must avoid straying into fiscal and social policies where it lacks authority.”
600 million barrels of oil remain stranded in the Strait of Hormuz due to the disruptions. Iran has suspended petrochemical exports to prevent domestic shortages. Global markets reflected the tensions, with London's FTSE 100 down 0.6% at the open. Energy firms saw gains amid volatility, with one reporting an exceptional quarter in oil trading.
Kuwait declared force majeure following the ship seizure. Analysts noted potential months of price volatility in global energy markets. The International Monetary Fund warned of a possible global recession amid high oil prices, while war damage to Gulf energy infrastructure is estimated near $60 billion.
European electric vehicle sales jumped 51% as gasoline prices soared, and data centers drove half of US power demand growth in 2025.
