Finance

Major equity benchmarks endured a volatile session, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropping about 161 points and the S&P 500 finishing nearly unchanged. However, the technology-heavy Nasdaq Composite managed a slight intraday recovery to close just inside positive territory, bolstered by dip-buying in mega-cap technology stocks.

Global energy markets experienced sharp upward movements as Brent crude futures climbed well above $105 per barrel. Traders are increasingly anxious over escalating Middle East conflicts and potential physical supply disruptions along the critical Strait of Hormuz transport route.

Geopolitical tensions eased on the trade front during high-profile diplomatic meetings in Washington. Top U.S. and Chinese officials successfully negotiated an agreement to extend the ongoing bilateral trade truce through January.