<div id="readability-page-1" class="page"><p>Though the Nasdaq and S&amp;P 500 earlier scored intraday <strong>record highs</strong>, both indexes settled lower on Thursday, the former dropping triple digits amid software sector weakness. The Dow marked a steep loss as oil prices surged and geopolitical concerns came back into focus, with President Donald Trump earlier ordering the U.S. Navy to “shoot and kill any boat” laying mines along the Strait of Hormuz with &#34;no hesitation.&#34;</p><p>Unconfirmed reports that Iran's top negotiator with the U.S. resigned also weighed, sparking concerns around the country's Revolutionary Guard control. Plus, Reuters reported that Iran's air defenses were heard “engaging hostile targets” in Tehran. In response to the uncertainty, the Cboe Volatility Index (VIX) saw its third gain in four sessions. </p><div id="LiveStory-SpecialReport-featuredContent-4"> <p><em>Continue reading for more on today's market, including: </em></p> </div><p>Oil prices settled higher on Thursday amid unconfirmed reports that Iran’s top negotiator with the U.S. has resigned. June-dated West Texas Intermediate (WTI) rose over 3% to finish at $95.85 per barrel. </p><p>Gold prices settled lower as inflation concerns gripped Wall Street, with crude prices surging and the greenback growing stronger. June-dated gold shed 0.6% to settle at $4,727 an ounce.</p></div>

.IXIC

.SPX

.VIX

<p>Stocks on Wall Street settled lower amid rising geopolitical tensions, particularly concerning Iran. The Nasdaq and S&P 500, despite earlier reaching record highs, faced declines, with the Nasdaq dropping significantly due to weakness in the software sector. The Dow also experienced a steep loss as oil prices surged, influenced by President Trump's orders regarding U.S. Navy actions in the Strait of Hormuz. Additionally, unconfirmed reports of Iran's top negotiator resigning heightened concerns, leading to increased volatility in the market, as reflected by the Cboe Volatility Index (VIX).</p>

- The Nasdaq and S&P 500 indexes saw intraday record highs but ended lower, with the Nasdaq dropping significantly due to software sector weakness.  
- The Dow experienced a steep decline linked to rising oil prices and renewed geopolitical tensions, exacerbated by President Trump's orders regarding Iran.  
- Oil prices rose over 3% to $95.85 per barrel, while gold prices fell 0.6% to $4,727 an ounce amid inflation concerns and a stronger dollar.

Stocks Settle Lower as Middle East Uncertainty Grips Wall Street