US markets continued to slide on Friday, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average falling into correction territory, down more than 10% from its February high.
The latest decline followed a sharp, broad-based selloff, signalling growing investor concern about economic risks and global tensions.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 1.7%, or 793 points, in a single session. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite fell 2.1%, deepening its correction after breaching the 10% threshold a day earlier. The S&P 500 also declined 1.7%, marking its fifth consecutive weekly loss and its longest losing streak since the market turmoil of 2022
Investor Concerns Linked to Global Tensions
Market moves suggest that investors are bracing for further economic strain. Analysts point to ongoing geopolitical tensions, including the Iran conflict, as a key source of uncertainty weighing on risk assets.
This risk-off sentiment has hit equities hard, particularly technology stocks and major index components. At the same time, oil prices have resumed their upward trend, adding another layer of pressure.
Rising energy costs tend to fuel inflation concerns, complicating the outlook for central bank policy and economic growth. Higher oil prices can squeeze corporate margins and reduce consumer spending power, increasing fears of a potential slowdown.
The combination of falling stock prices and rising oil prices underscores a period of heightened market volatility. Many investors remain cautious, closely watching global developments, economic data, and central bank signals for clues on whether the downturn will deepen or stabilise in the weeks ahead.
