Dow Jones Opens Flat Following U.S. Airstrikes on Iran Nuclear Sites
The Dow Jones Industrial Average opened mildly higher Monday, still largely flat as traders digested the weekend’s surprise U.S. strikes on Iran nuclear sites. Despite as much concern as there was for wider escalation, market reactions in equities, oil, and crypto were subdued.
Modest Gains In Spite of Geopolitical Shock
The blue-chip Dow gained 15 points on the opening, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite rose 0.14% and 0.18%, respectively. The markets showed optimism despite increased tension in the Middle East following the attacks that the U.S. was not looking for further escalation.
Trump Declares Strikes on Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan
On Saturday, the United States carried out attacks on Iran’s main nuclear sites in Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz. Former President Donald Trump announced the missions on Truth Social, characterizing the operation as “very successful.” The assault happened during a close of markets, leaving Monday’s open uncertain.
Oil and Bitcoin React, Then Stabilize
Early jitters sent oil prices higher and Bitcoin lower to a weekend low of $98,300. Fears of a Strait of Hormuz blockade rattled markets for a day or so, but by Monday morning oil was back at $74 per barrel and BTC rebounded above $101,000.
With Iran’s reply due “within a day or two,” investors are on guard. Nevertheless, the subdued market response implies optimism that diplomacy will still win out — or that any escalation will stay contained in the short term.
