Finance

In contrast to the broader tech selloff, the Dow Jones Industrial Average managed to finish the day in positive territory, advancing roughly 0.3%. Strong performances in defensive and value-oriented sectors, particularly financial giants like JPMorgan Chase and Visa, kept the blue-chip index afloat. This rotation into traditional sectors provided a stabilizing buffer for the index amidst widespread volatility elsewhere in the market.

Bond yields declined following reports that the U.S. Treasury Department might tap its trillion-dollar General Account to finance its expanded bond buyback program. The 10-year Treasury note yield fell past 4.69%, while the 30-year yield also retreated slightly from recent 19-year highs. This strategic reliance on shorter-dated debt tools is being implemented to stabilize longer-term government borrowing costs, though some analysts warn it increases sensitivity to short-term rate shocks.

International energy and commodities markets shifted as Washington announced enhanced secondary sanctions on entities cooperating with Iran. Brent crude futures broke a six-session winning streak to finish roughly 1.8% lower near $92 per barrel. Concurrently, spot gold prices surged over 1.5% to cross $4,670 an ounce, hitting three-month highs as safe-haven demand accelerated ahead of critical macroeconomic updates.