Stock Market Today: Dow, S&P 500 Live Updates for March 24, 2026
By Rita Nazareth, Bloomberg
Updated March 24, 2026, 5:50 PM UTC
A resurgence in oil prices has intensified investor concerns over the escalating conflict in the Middle East, triggering declines across stock and bond markets. The S&P 500 resumed its downward trend amid fears that ongoing tensions in Iran could further disrupt the global energy supply.
According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, the United States is preparing to deploy approximately 3,000 troops from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East. This move comes as the White House evaluates strategic options aimed at relieving Iran’s grip on the critical Strait of Hormuz, a key passage for global oil shipments.
Brent crude oil surged past the $104 per barrel mark, fueling worries about an impending energy crunch worldwide. Meanwhile, traditional safe-haven assets showed mixed results: gold prices slipped for a tenth consecutive day, while the U.S. dollar strengthened, reflecting increased demand for the currency in uncertain times.
Investors are adjusting their portfolios in response to what Bank of America describes as "more cautious scenarios," factoring the heightened geopolitical risk into their market outlooks. The heightened volatility underscores an environment where risk appetite is waning as the conflict in the region persists.
Market participants continue to monitor developments closely, with the deployment decision and diplomatic maneuvers expected to heavily influence asset prices in the near term.
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Key Market Highlights:
- S&P 500: Declined amid heightened geopolitical risk
- Brent Crude Oil: Surged above $104 per barrel
- Gold: Fell for the 10th consecutive day
- U.S. Dollar: Strengthened against major currencies
- U.S. Military Deployment: 3,000 troops from the 82nd Airborne Division headed to the Middle East
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