James C. McGrath

The S&P 500 fell 1.9% last week, marking its fourth consecutive weekly decline as the conflict in Iran intensified. The index closed at 6,506.48, leaving it down 5.4% in March and 5% year to date. Escalating tensions, including increased U.S. military presence and continued disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, pushed oil prices higher and fueled inflation concerns.

The S&P 500 fell 1.6% last week, marking its third consecutive weekly decline as rising oil prices and geopolitical tensions weighed on markets. The index closed the week at 6,632.19, leaving it down 3.6% for March and 3.1% for the year. Equity sentiment was pressured by the escalating conflict between the U.S. and Iran, which pushed energy prices higher and heightened investor uncertainty.

The S&P 500 began March with a sharp pullback, falling 2% for the week to close Friday at 6,740.02. The benchmark index ended the week down roughly 1.5% for the year. Markets were under pressure for most of the week as investors reacted to the escalating conflict in the Middle East, where fighting between Israel and Iran had entered its seventh day and broadened across the region. Energy markets responded quickly, with crude oil surging towards $100 per barrel.