Live Nasdaq Composite: Markets Pull Back as Oil Jumps on Mideast Strain
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War Costs Hit Amazon
In hindsight, it was only a matter of time. Amazon (Nasdaq: AMZN) is reportedly tacking on a 3.5% fuel and logistics surcharge for third-party sellers in the U.S. and Canada, starting April 17.
“Elevated costs in fuel and logistics have increased the cost of operating across the industry,” the company told merchants on its platform.
Volatile Session
In what can only be described as volatile trading, the markets have recouped earlier losses. Reports indicate that Iran is working toward a solution to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which has been blocked during the war.
At last check, the Nasdaq Composite is essentially flat, alongside the Dow and S&P 500. The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) is up 2.4% today.
Dollar Dance
The U.S. dollar surged after President Trump vowed more aggressive strikes on Iran over the next two to three weeks, dashing hopes for a quick end to the conflict and sending investors rushing into safe-haven assets. The dollar index climbed 0.68%, its best day since mid-March, while the euro, sterling, and yen all retreated as oil jumped and stocks tumbled on the renewed escalation fears.
This article will be updated throughout the day, so check back often for more daily updates.
The markets are giving up recently gained ground today after President Trump’s address to the nation on the status of the Iran war. All three of the major stock market averages are steeply lower, including a 1.8% decline in the Nasdaq Composite. The Russell 2000, comprised of small companies, is managing slight gains, and energy stocks are up 2.3%. Otherwise, most all sectors of the economy are under pressure.
Oil blew past $110 a barrel after President Trump threatened further escalation in Iran, with diesel topping $200 and near-term contracts trading at record premiums as the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively shut. Brent crude has surged roughly 50% since the conflict began. European diesel futures topped $200 a barrel for the first time since 2022.
The labor market doesn’t appear to be flinching. Initial jobless claims fell to 202,000 last week, below the 212,000 estimate and down from the prior week’s 211,000, a sign that the oil shock from the Middle East conflict hasn’t rattled hiring so far.
Here’s a look at where things stand as of morning trading:
Dow Jones Industrial Average: 45,972 Down 1.27%
Nasdaq Composite: 21,458 Down 1.73%
S&P 500: 6,493 Down 1.24%
Market Movers
Tesla (Nasdaq: TSLA | TSLA Price Prediction) delivered 358,023 EVs in Q1 2026, falling short of the 368,900 Wall Street was expecting, the latest stumble for a stock already down 18% on the year alongside much of Big Tech.
Amazon (Nasdaq: AMZN) is in talks to acquire satellite operator Globalstar in a deal worth roughly $9 billion, per the Financial Times, a move that would turbocharge its push into space-based connectivity.
McDonald’s (NYSE: MCD) is doubling down on value. The fast food giant is rolling out a new Under $3 Menu on April 21st, featuring at least 10 items priced below $3 all day, alongside a new $4 breakfast meal deal and lunch and dinner combos starting at $5.
SoFi (Nasdaq: SOFI) just blurred the line between traditional banking and crypto. The fintech launched SoFi Big Business Banking, a single regulated platform where enterprise clients can manage fiat and crypto operations side by side, with 24/7 payments, stablecoin rails, and SoFiUSD support. So far, BitGo, Galaxy, and Mastercard are on board as partners.
Gerelyn Terzo is the author of dividend investing handbook "Dividend Investing Strategies: How to Have Your Cake & Eat It Too." A veteran financial journalist, she covers agri-finance for outlets like Global AgInvesting and the broader stock market and personal finance for 24/7 Wall Street. She began at CNBC and later helped launch Fox Business in New York. Gerelyn currently resides in Woodland Park, Colorado and dabbles in nature photography as a hobby.
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