S&P 500 extends losing streak, Nasdaq slides, Dow Jones posts modest gains as oil prices rattle Wall Street – here's how US stock market performed today

S&P 500, Nasdaq, Dow Jones today: A volatile start to the week ended with a mixed close on Wall Street, as falling tech stocks and rising oil prices kept pressure on markets despite reassurance from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.

S&P 500 posts third straight loss amid market pressure

The S&P 500 slipped 0.39% on Monday to close at 6,343.72, marking its third straight day of losses and leaving the index more than 9% below its recent closing high, as per a CNBC report. Much of the weakness came from the technology sector, which dropped over 1% and weighed heavily on the broader market.

Nasdaq declines while Dow manages modest gains

The Nasdaq Composite also moved lower, falling 0.73% to end at 20,794.64, reflecting continued pressure on tech stocks. Meanwhile, the Dow Jones Industrial Average managed a modest gain, rising 49.50 points, or 0.11%, to close at 45,216.14.

Market volatility rises as fear gauge crosses key level

Market anxiety remained visible throughout the session, with the CBOE Volatility Index, often referred to as Wall Street’s fear gauge, briefly climbing above 30, as per the CNBC report.

Oil prices surge, adding pressure to stock markets

Rising oil prices were a major factor shaping sentiment. US crude, measured by West Texas Intermediate futures, jumped 3.25% to settle at $102.88 per barrel, its highest level since July 2022. Brent crude also edged higher to $112.78 per barrel and is on track for its largest monthly surge on record, up 55%.

Powell says inflation expectations remain stable – Treasury yields fall after Fed Chair’s remarks

Despite these pressures, Powell’s comments offered some reassurance. He said inflation expectations remain “well anchored beyond the short term” and indicated that the Federal Reserve is not yet facing a decision on how to respond to rising energy costs, as per the CNBC report. Following his remarks, the yield on the 10-year Treasury fell by 9 basis points to 4.35%.

Trump signals progress on Iran talks but warns of escalation

Geopolitical developments also remained in focus. US president Donald Trump said the US is “in serious discussions with A NEW, AND MORE REASONABLE, REGIME to end our Military Operations in Iran,” adding that “great progress has been made,” as quoted by CNBC.

However, he also warned that, a failure of the peace deal and if the Strait of Hormuz is not “immediately” reopened, the US will “conclude our lovely ‘stay’ in Iran by blowing up and completely obliterating all of their Electric Generating Plants, Oil Wells and Kharg Island (and possibly all desalinization plants!), which we have purposefully not yet ‘touched,’” as quoted by CNBC.

Rising oil prices fuel recession concerns among investors

Investors are continuing to closely watch oil prices, with some warning that a move toward $120 per barrel could increase recession risks and weigh on corporate earnings.

Markets extend losing streak ahead of Good Friday closure

Monday’s session comes after a difficult week for markets, with the Dow, Nasdaq, and S&P 500 all posting their fifth consecutive weekly declines and both the Dow and Nasdaq entering correction territory.

Trading patterns have also shifted in recent months. According to market observations, stocks have tended to struggle later in the week and perform better earlier, as investors adjust their positions around uncertainty.

Markets will remain closed this Friday for Good Friday, though the March jobs report is still scheduled for release that morning.

FAQs

Why did the S&P 500 decline?
It was mainly due to weakness in technology stocks and rising oil prices.

How much did the Nasdaq fall?
The Nasdaq Composite dropped 0.73%.