U.S. markets declined as volatility increased amid concerns about a prolonged war with Iran. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed down 785 points (1.61%) after falling more than 1,100 points earlier in the session, with some recovery in afternoon trading. The S&P 500 fell 0.56%, and the Nasdaq declined 0.26% after paring earlier losses.
Oil prices rose sharply. U.S. crude jumped 8.5% to just over $81 per barrel, the largest single-day gain since May 2020. Brent crude increased 4.93% to $85.41 per barrel. For the week, U.S. crude and Brent gained more than 20% and 17%, respectively.
Market concern focused on potential disruptions to oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway off Iranâs coast through which about 20% of global oil consumption typically passes each day.