Stocks Drop 0.6% as Brent Oil Surpasses $115 Amid Iran Conflict Escalation

U.S. equity-index futures decreased by 0.6% amid escalating tensions involving Iran-backed Houthi forces and an increased U.S. military presence in the Middle East. Brent crude oil prices rose by more than 2%, exceeding $115 per barrel. The S&P 500 experienced a 3.6% decline over two days, marking its worst performance in a year, leaving it 8.8% lower than its January peak. The Nasdaq 100's 4.3% drop pushed it into a 10% correction, highlighting the negative sentiment across these major indices.