Bank of America's chief investment strategist warns the stock market is approaching levels that could trigger policy intervention. Despite geopolitical tensions with Iran pushing oil to $100, retail investors remain engaged in the market.
Global oil prices surged past $100 per barrel Thursday after Iran's new supreme leader threatened to keep the vital Strait of Hormuz closed. Major U.S. stock indexes fell more than 1.5% as energy concerns roiled markets worldwide.
The S&P 500 dropped 1.5%, driven by surging oil prices and financial sector concerns. Key players like Kosmos Energy and Nvidia showed resilience.
Wall Street suffered a major selloff Thursday as oil prices spiked above $100 per barrel due to Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The Dow Jones dropped 730 points while crude oil prices surged 49% over the past month, raising concerns about prolonged economic fallout from the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran.
U.S. stocks declined Friday as oil prices extended gains amid the Iran conflict, with the S&P 500 hitting a new 2026 low. Meanwhile, a federal judge blocked the Justice Department's attempts to subpoena Fed Chair Powell, calling it political harassment.
In February 2026, investors moved away from mega-cap tech stocks as the S&P 500 fell, while value and small-cap stocks gained. Economic indicators showed mixed signals, prompting cautious market responses.
KLA Corporation announced a $7 billion share buyback program and increased its quarterly dividend by 21% to $2.30 per share at its 2026 Investor Day, marking the company's 17th consecutive annual dividend increase. CEO Rick Wallace emphasized KLA's strategic positioning to benefit from AI-driven semiconductor growth, while the company introduced its new 2030 Target Model for long-term strategic visibility.
As the trading week draws to a close, several influential stock stories are poised to impact the market. Here's what investors should keep an eye on.
Major US stock indexes fell more than 1.5% Thursday as oil prices surged back above $100 per barrel. Iran's new supreme leader threatened to keep the crucial Strait of Hormuz closed and warned that US bases in the region will be attacked unless they shut down.
On March 12, oil prices surged as fears of conflict in Iran triggered significant sell-offs in the stock market. Key indices fell sharply as investors shifted focus to energy sectors.