Dow Jones Slumps Amid Geopolitical Tensions and Weak Housing Data

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) fell sharply as escalating Middle East tensions rattled markets. Former President Trump''s Truth Social posts suggesting potential strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities exacerbated risk-off sentiment. Pentagon deployments of additional aircraft to the region further pressured equities.

Housing sector weakness compounded the selloff, with June''s Housing Market Index plunging to 32 - its lowest level since December 2022. The disappointing data reflects growing pessimism among homebuilders amid persistent affordability challenges.

Market participants rotated out of risk assets as the DJIA dropped 0.75% intraday. The volatility highlights how geopolitical instability continues to drive capital flows, with traditional SAFE havens benefiting at equities'' expense.