Global equities declined Friday while oil prices advanced, as persistent geopolitical uncertainty weighed on investor sentiment despite extended diplomatic deadlines.
Tehran offered no clear signal of negotiations, while officials reiterated intentions to disrupt regional shipping, keeping markets cautious and volatility elevated.
On Wall Street, major indexes traded lower, led by losses in technology, financials, and consumer discretionary sectors. Defensive stocks, including utilities and staples, outperformed.
Analysts noted that investor confidence remains fragile, with policy extensions failing to deliver meaningful reassurance. Markets continue to seek concrete signs of progress.
The Nasdaq Composite entered correction territory, falling nearly 11% from its October peak after a sharp tech-led selloff and fading optimism around growth expectations.
Market strategists highlighted weakening macro conditions and uncertainty surrounding AI’s long-term impact, though some investors view the downturn as a buying opportunity.
Government bond yields climbed as inflation concerns intensified, raising expectations of tighter monetary policy. The U.S. 10-year Treasury yield rose above 4.43%.
Meanwhile, the U.S. dollar strengthened modestly, and gold prices surged 3%, reflecting increased demand for safe-haven assets amid ongoing market instability.
