U.S. stock markets showed mixed performance on Tuesday. As trading ended in New York, the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped slightly by 0.2% to 50,462 points. However, the broader S&P 500 managed to rise, reaching approximately 7,519 points, charting a gain of 0.6%. The technology-focused Nasdaq 100 was stronger still, closing around 30,001 points, up 1.8%, boosted by positive analyst ratings for the semiconductor manufacturer Micron.
The ongoing conflict between the U.S. and Iran remains a central focus for U.S. investors. Despite the current attacks, the White House is providing market participants with hope for a rapid resolution to the negotiations. These discussions with the Iranian regime are expected to continue over several days. Furthermore, some observers are interpreting the announcement by Iran-that it may no longer demand a “passage toll” for the Strait of Hormuz, opting instead for a service fee for navigation-as a potential movement in negotiations.
In other markets, the European common currency weakened slightly on Tuesday evening. The exchange rate saw one Euro trade at $1.1632, meaning the dollar could be bought for 0.8597 Euros.
Commodity prices experienced divergent trends. Gold prices declined significantly, with fine ounces trading at $4,507 in the evening, representing a drop of 1.4%. This equates to a price of €124.58 per gram.
Conversely, oil prices surged. A barrel of the North Sea Brent crude cost $99.59 against German time 10 p.m. on Tuesday, marking a substantial increase of 3.6% compared to the previous day’s closing price.
