US Stocks Slide as Oil Surge and Iran Tensions Weigh on Markets
Equities extended their slump Friday as geopolitical risks and energy price volatility overshadowed market sentiment. The Nasdaq Composite dropped 1%, deepening its correction, while the S&P 500 posted its fifth consecutive weekly decline—the longest retreat since 2022.
Brent crude's breach above $103/bbl exacerbated risk-off flows, with the VIX fear gauge spiking to 30. Despite President Trump's 10-day extension of Iran strike deadlines to April 6, traders positioned for prolonged Middle East instability. The energy-driven selloff highlights growing macro headwinds for risk assets.