US stock markets experienced a downturn on Thursday. At the close in New York, three major indices showed declines. The Dow Jones averaged 49,310 points, marking a loss of 0.4% compared to the previous trading day. Similarly, the broader S&P 500 fell by 0.4% to roughly 7,108 points. The technology-focused Nasdaq 100 registered the largest dip, declining 0.6% to approximately 26,783 points.
Investor apprehension contributed to this selling, fueled by stagnant progress in negotiations between the US and Iran, coupled with reports of a potential new ultimatum. During his personal online posting, US President Donald Trump commented on the situation, stating that while there is “all time in the world, but not for Iran”. He said, “The time is running” and emphasized that any agreement must be appropriate and advantageous for the United States, its allies, and eventually, the rest of the world.
Beyond equities, currency markets saw the Euro weaken slightly on Thursday evening, trading at 1.1684 US dollars per Euro, meaning the dollar fetched 0.8559 Euros.
In commodities, gold prices were also softer, with a fine ounce trading at $4,695-a 0.9% decrease-equivalent to 129.19 Euros per gram. However, oil prices showed a sharp increase. Brent crude oil, characteristic of the North Sea, cost $106.00 per barrel late Thursday evening, surging by 4.0% compared to the previous day’s closing price.