Geopolitical Tensions Drive Oil Up, Pressure Markets

The Dow Jones fell 73.14 points to 48,904.78 today as geopolitical tensions after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran pushed WTI crude toward $72 per barrel, prompting risk-off trading. February ISM Manufacturing PMI rose to 52.4% but its Prices Index jumped to 70.5%; the 10-year yield climbed above 4.00% and gold topped $5,400, pressuring rate-sensitive sectors.