Dow Closes Lower on U.S.-Iran Tensions, Oil Spike

The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed lower on Friday at 46,504.67, capping a volatile week marked by sharp swings driven by escalating tensions in the U.S.-Iran conflict and surging oil prices. The index fell 182.19 points, or 0.39 percent, from Thursday's close, reflecting broader investor concerns over prolonged disruptions to global energy supplies and trade routes in the Middle East.

Throughout the week, the Dow fluctuated dramatically, dipping as low as 45,074.79 on Monday and peaking at 46,792.04 midday Wednesday. Friday's session saw the index drop to 45,906.47 early before a partial recovery that left it relatively flat until the close. Over the past month, the Dow has declined nearly 2,000 points from its high of 48,739.41 on March 4, underperforming the S&P 500 and Nasdaq amid heavy exposure to energy-sensitive industrial and consumer cyclical stocks.

The primary catalyst was a spike in West Texas Intermediate crude oil, which jumped more than 11 percent to above $111 per barrel following statements from President Donald Trump indicating the conflict could extend for weeks. Investors feared sustained interruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for...