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The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 337.36 points Friday, closing at 45,622.75 amid persistent worries over the U.S.-Iran conflict and a sharp rise in oil prices that heightened inflation concerns and clouded the outlook for Federal Reserve interest rate cuts.

The 0.73% decline extended recent losses for the blue-chip index, which has seesawed this week on mixed signals from the Middle East. Thursday’s steeper 469-point drop gave way to another session of selling pressure as hopes for a quick diplomatic resolution faded and energy costs climbed.

Broader markets also retreated. The S&P 500 fell roughly 1% in early trading before stabilizing somewhat, while the Nasdaq Composite faced heavier losses amid pressure on growth-oriented technology shares. The volatility index, known as Wall Street’s “fear gauge,” remained elevated as traders navigated headline risks.

Oil prices continued their recent surge, with West Texas Intermediate crude futures rising several dollars per barrel toward the $96-$98 range in recent sessions. Brent crude, the global benchmark, hovered near or above $100 in spots, driven by fears that prolonged tensions could disrupt supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global energy flows.

Analysts said the energy spike acts like a tax on consumers and businesses, potentially slowing economic growth while pushing inflation higher — a double blow that complicates monetary policy.

“Markets are reacting to the uncertainty of how long this geopolitical episode will last,” said one strategist. “A short conflict might be absorbed, but sustained high oil prices could force the Fed to stay cautious on rate cuts.”

Conflict Concerns Weigh on Sentiment

The U.S.-Iran standoff, which intensified in late February, has dominated market narratives. President Donald Trump has pressed for serious negotiations while extending deadlines, but Iranian responses have left diplomats and investors uncertain about de-escalation timelines.

Earlier in the week, fleeting optimism around possible ceasefires sparked brief rallies, only for doubts to trigger reversals. Friday’s session reflected that fragility, with energy-sensitive sectors showing relative strength while high-valuation tech names lagged.

Energy giants within the Dow 30 provided some cushion. Chevron Corp. and Exxon Mobil shares gained ground as higher crude prices boosted profit outlooks for producers. In contrast, consumer discretionary and technology components faced selling, with names like Amazon.com Inc. and Visa Inc. among the notable decliners.

Among the 30 Dow components, gainers were limited but included defensive or value-oriented names such as Verizon Communications Inc. and Walmart Inc. in some sessions. Losers spanned tech-exposed firms and financials sensitive to higher borrowing costs.

Trading volume stayed robust, signaling continued investor caution. Treasury yields edged higher, with the 10-year note approaching 4.4%, as markets priced in stickier inflation and fewer aggressive rate reductions this year.

Broader Economic Backdrop

The latest Dow Jones decline comes against a backdrop of resilient corporate earnings but mounting external risks. While many companies have posted solid results driven by artificial intelligence investments and consumer spending, geopolitical shocks have overshadowed fundamentals.

Economists warn that an “oil shock” of this magnitude could trim U.S. growth forecasts modestly in the near term. In a base case of temporary disruption, inflation pressures might peak quickly, allowing the Fed to deliver measured easing later in 2026. A more prolonged scenario, however, raises risks of slower expansion and delayed policy support.

Smaller companies tracked by the Russell 2000 have shown mixed resilience, sometimes outperforming on domestic focus, but they too felt Friday’s broader pressure.

Year to date, the Dow Jones remains below its early 2026 peak above 50,000 but well above its 2025 low near 36,600. The index is now roughly 9-10% off record highs, reflecting cumulative hits from trade policies, fiscal debates and now Middle East tensions.

The S&P 500 has logged one of its longer weekly losing streaks in recent years, underscoring sustained headwinds.

Sector Rotation and Investor Strategies

The market’s choppiness has prompted sector rotation. Energy stocks have periodically outperformed, benefiting from elevated commodity prices. Defensive areas such as consumer staples and health care have attracted flows seeking stability.

Technology, which powered much of the prior bull run, has been vulnerable due to high valuations and sensitivity to any growth slowdown or rise in discount rates.

“For long-term investors, this volatility highlights the value of diversification,” said portfolio managers. “Holdings in energy or quality large-caps with strong balance sheets may help buffer against energy-driven inflation, while avoiding overexposure to speculative growth plays.”

Technical analysts are watching key support levels on the Dow around 45,000-45,500. A break below could signal deeper correction territory, though many maintain the longer-term uptrend remains intact barring major escalation.

Gold and other safe-haven assets have climbed in recent sessions, while the U.S. dollar has held steady against major currencies.

Global Markets Reflect Caution

Overseas bourses mirrored U.S. unease. European indices closed lower, and Asian markets showed mixed results as traders weighed the same energy and conflict risks.

Shipping and insurance costs in global trade routes have risen, adding to supply chain concerns if tensions persist in the Gulf region.

International economists project global growth near 2.8% for 2026, with the U.S. potentially holding up better than some peers, but near-term energy shocks could force revisions.

Outlook and What to Watch

As trading continues into next week, investors will scrutinize any fresh developments from Washington and Tehran. Oil futures movements will serve as a real-time barometer of supply disruption fears.

Upcoming U.S. economic data — including inflation readings, employment figures and consumer spending — will gain added importance. Stronger-than-expected inflation could further dampen rate-cut expectations.

Corporate earnings season winds down, but forward guidance from major firms will be parsed for mentions of energy costs or geopolitical impacts.

Analysts remain divided on the near-term path. Some view the pullback as a healthy correction within a bull market supported by innovation and solid fundamentals. Others caution of additional downside if oil stays elevated or conflict widens.

Citi and other firms have recently trimmed U.S. equity exposure, citing risks of no swift resolution.

For individual investors, the message is one of patience and risk management. Dollar-cost averaging into diversified portfolios, maintaining cash buffers for opportunities and avoiding emotional reactions to daily headlines can help navigate such periods.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average, despite its price-weighted limitations and focus on just 30 companies, continues to serve as a widely watched symbol of American economic health. Its recent performance captures the tug-of-war between underlying resilience and external shocks.

Traders and long-term holders alike will monitor not only the headline index level but also shifts in sector leadership, bond yields and commodity trends that could shape market direction through the remainder of 2026.

Copyright ©2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8

Rubio spoke to reporters before returning to the US after he discussed with G7 foreign ministers in France the conflict launched by the US and Israel late last month.

Rubio said the US was achieving its objectives in the war-which he said were destroying Iran’s missile and drone capabilities and factories to produce those weapons, as well as its navy and its air force-and expected to conclude its operation in “weeks, not months”.

“We are ahead of schedule on most of them, and we can achieve them without any ground troops, without any,” Rubio said.

Rubio said recent deployments of thousands more troops to the region were intended to give President Donald Trump options to respond to contingencies in the conflict, but declined to go into operational details.

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“In terms of why there’s deployments, number one, the President has to be prepared for multiple contingencies… We are always going to be prepared to give the President maximum optionality and maximum opportunity to adjust the contingencies, should they emerge,” he said.
Several EU countries, now grappling with economic consequences of the war, have said they were not consulted by the US before it launched its military actions in Iran. French Minister of the Armed Forces Catherine Vautrin said on Friday that the war “is not ours,” adding that France’s position is strictly defensive. (with agency inputs)

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) shares closed at $252.89 on Thursday, up modestly by 0.27 or 0.11% from the prior session, demonstrating relative stability in a turbulent market rocked by escalating uncertainties in the U.S.-Iran conflict and sharply higher oil prices that stoked inflation fears across Wall Street.

The iPhone maker’s performance stood out amid broader selling pressure. While the Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged 469.38 points, or 1.01%, to close at 45,960.11, and the Nasdaq Composite dropped more than 2%, Apple managed a narrow gain on volume exceeding 41 million shares. The stock traded in a range between $250.77 and $257.00 during the session.

Apple’s market capitalization remained around $3.71 trillion to $3.75 trillion, underscoring its status as one of the world’s most valuable companies despite shares sitting roughly 12% below the 52-week high near $288.62. The stock continues to trade well above its 52-week low of about $169.21, supported by strong brand loyalty and a diversified business model.

Analysts maintain a predominantly bullish outlook. The consensus 12-month price target hovers near $297 to $304, suggesting potential upside of 17% to 20% from current levels. Optimistic calls, including from Wedbush Securities, point as high as $350, with analysts highlighting 2026 as a pivotal year for Apple’s artificial intelligence ambitions.

Market Volatility Tied to Middle East Developments

Thursday’s trading reflected Wall Street’s heightened sensitivity to geopolitical headlines. The U.S.-Iran conflict, now in its fourth week, has driven oil prices sharply higher, with Brent crude climbing toward or above $104-$108 per barrel in recent sessions amid fears of prolonged supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude also rose significantly.

Conflicting signals from Washington and Tehran have fueled uncertainty. Reports of a U.S. 15-point proposal for de-escalation met with Iranian denials or cautious reviews, dimming hopes for a swift resolution. Higher energy costs risk acting as a drag on consumer spending and corporate margins, potentially delaying Federal Reserve rate cuts and pressuring growth-sensitive sectors like technology.

Apple’s modest advance came even as high-valuation tech peers faced steeper declines. The company’s massive cash reserves, recurring services revenue and premium product positioning appeared to offer some buffer against the day’s macro headwinds.

Supply Chain Diversification Gains Momentum

Apple has accelerated efforts to reduce reliance on China for manufacturing. The company now assembles approximately 25% of its iPhones in India, producing around 55 million units there in 2025 — a 53% increase from the previous year. This shift helps mitigate risks from tariffs and geopolitical tensions.

Plans call for India to produce the majority — or potentially most — of iPhones sold in the United States by the end of 2026. This would require roughly doubling output in the country and represents a major step in Apple’s long-term supply chain strategy. The move comes as the company navigates potential trade policy changes and seeks greater geographic resilience.

Apple has also expanded its roster of U.S.-based suppliers and invested in domestic component production, further diversifying its global footprint while maintaining focus on quality and innovation.

AI Initiatives and Siri Overhaul in the Spotlight

Investors continue to eye Apple’s progress in artificial intelligence. The company is working on a significantly enhanced version of its Siri voice assistant, with expectations that a major upgrade could feature prominently at WWDC 2026 alongside iOS 27 and macOS 27 releases. Internal testing challenges have reportedly pushed some advanced capabilities beyond an earlier March target, with features potentially rolling out in phases through iOS 26.5 or later in the year.

Apple has explored partnerships, including potential integration of third-party models such as Google’s Gemini, to bolster Siri’s capabilities. While the company has adopted a more measured approach to generative AI spending compared with some rivals, executives and analysts believe these enhancements could drive meaningful growth as Apple Intelligence features expand across the ecosystem.

Upcoming software updates are expected to bring deeper on-device intelligence, better context awareness and improved handling of complex user requests. These developments could help Apple close perceived gaps with competitors in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

iPhone Demand and Services Growth Provide Foundation

The iPhone remains Apple’s core revenue driver, supported by loyal customers, trade-in programs and enterprise adoption. Steady demand has persisted despite macroeconomic pressures, though sustained high oil prices could eventually weigh on global consumer spending for premium devices.

Services — including the App Store, Apple Music, iCloud, AppleCare and emerging advertising initiatives — continue to deliver high-margin, recurring revenue that provides stability. Plans to introduce ads in Apple Maps in the U.S. and Canada this summer represent one avenue for further expansion.

Valuation remains a point of discussion, with shares trading around 32 times trailing earnings. Bulls argue that Apple’s ecosystem strength, innovation pipeline and capital return programs (dividends and buybacks) justify the multiple, while bears point to risks from trade policies, competition and any prolonged economic slowdown.

Analyst Views and Technical Considerations

Wall Street’s consensus rating for Apple is Moderate Buy to Buy, with dozens of analysts covering the stock. Price targets range from conservative levels near $205-$248 to bullish forecasts up to $350. Many see the current consolidation as a potential entry point for long-term investors betting on AI-driven growth and supply chain improvements.

Technically, support levels are watched near $250, with resistance around $257-$260 in the near term. A decisive move above recent highs could signal renewed momentum, while broader market weakness tied to energy prices or conflict escalation might test lower supports.

For individual investors, Apple often serves as a core holding in diversified portfolios due to its track record of adaptation and shareholder returns. However, near-term volatility linked to oil markets and geopolitics warrants caution and disciplined risk management.

Broader Context and Outlook

Apple’s relative resilience Thursday highlights the differing dynamics within the technology sector. While some names tied closely to cyclical spending or speculative AI plays faced heavier pressure, Apple’s blend of hardware, services and brand power has helped it weather uncertainty.

Looking ahead, investors will monitor any fresh developments from the Middle East, movements in oil futures and upcoming U.S. economic data on inflation and employment. Apple’s next earnings report will be scrutinized for commentary on demand trends, supply chain progress and AI monetization.

Longer term, many strategists view 2026 as potentially transformative for Apple as it rolls out more advanced AI features and completes key manufacturing shifts. Yet the path may include continued swings as external risks evolve.

Founded in 1976, Apple has grown from a garage startup into a global leader in consumer electronics and services. Its stock, while not immune to macroeconomic shocks, reflects ongoing confidence in management’s ability to innovate and adapt amid challenges.

As markets open Friday, attention will remain on oil prices, diplomatic signals regarding Iran and how these factors influence broader risk sentiment. For Apple specifically, execution on diversification, software advancements and sustained iPhone strength will likely shape its trajectory through the remainder of 2026 and beyond.

Your Costco run is about to get a lot faster.

The warehouse giant is reportedly overhauling its checkout process, piloting new automated stations that promise to process orders in under 10 seconds. By blending employee productivity with high-speed tech, Costco is betting it can solve the retail industry’s biggest headache without losing the low-cost model that keeps its members loyal.

“In digital, we continue to make strides with our roadmap to deliver a more seamless experience for members in warehouse and online. In the warehouses, we are achieving meaningful improvements in the speed of checkout and employee productivity, both as a result of our mobile wallet enhancements, pharmacy pay ahead and the rollout of employee pre-scan technology,” Costco CFO Gary Millerchip said in the company’s second-quarter earnings call earlier this month.

COSTCO ENTERS FERTILITY CARE WITH MASSIVE DISCOUNTS FOR MEMBERS THROUGH NEW HEALTHCARE PARTNERSHIPS

Under new CEO Ron Vachris and Millerchip, the warehouse club is pivoting from its traditional checkout roots to a high-tech pre-scan model and automated pay stations. At first, employees will expedite the pre-scanning process before customers reach the register.

Shoppers at the self-checkout inside a Costco store in Napa, California, on Monday, Sept. 22, 2025. (Getty Images)

Costco has previously tested self-checkout at select stores, but the system did not appear to stick.

“We are also piloting automated pay stations that will allow members to pay for their pre-scan orders seamlessly with an average transaction time of around eight seconds,” Millerchip added. “Early results show this is improving the flow of traffic, and we have received great member feedback.”

Leadership also discussed embracing AI and e-commerce shifts on the call that rivals have used to dominate the convenience shopping market.

“On our digital sites, we continue to roll out new personalization capabilities which are resonating well with our members and are starting to have measurable impact on e-commerce sales growth. As consumers embrace AI in their shopping habits, we believe our commitments to providing the best value on great quality items can make us a beneficiary of these shifts,” the CFO said.

New data from the NCR Voyix Digital Commerce Index reveals a generational divide in how Americans want to pay at the register. While 43% of all consumers now prefer self-checkout options, 53% of shoppers aged 18 to 44 prefer the DIY method, while those 55 and older stick to manned lanes, citing large cart volumes as the primary reason for avoiding self-checkout.

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While many big-box retailers have passed on inflationary costs to consumers in recent years, Costco has maintained its popularity with middle-class Americans due to its roughly 14% to 15% cap on product margins. Traditional grocers typically have a 25% to 35% product margin, making Costco’s prices highly competitive.

Costco’s net sales surged 9.1% to $68.24 billion in the second quarter, with net income hitting $1.36 billion — a 13.6% increase year over year following a membership price hike.

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