The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) on Friday closed down -1.33%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average ($DOWI) (DIA) closed down -0.95%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) closed down -1.51%. March E-mini S&P futures (ESH26) fell -1.39%, and March E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQH26) fell -1.58%.
Stock indexes fell sharply on Friday, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average posting a 3.5-month low amid concern that the war in the Middle East will keep pushing energy prices higher, sparking inflation. Qatar’s energy minister told the Financial Times on Friday that the war in the Middle East could “bring down the economies of the world,” and predicted that all Gulf energy exporters would shut down production within weeks if the war drags on, driving crude oil prices to $150 a barrel.
