Stocks Fall, Oil Prices Rise After Trump's Latest Iran Delay

Wall Street stumbles toward fifth straight losing week as war concerns linger

Mar. 27, 2026 at 2:19pm

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U.S. stocks fell on Friday, with the S&P 500 sinking 0.9% and deepening its losses a day after its worst drop since the war with Iran began. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 423 points, or 0.9%, and the Nasdaq composite was 1.3% lower. Oil prices rose, with Brent crude up 2.2% to $104.13 per barrel, as concerns persist about disruptions to oil and gas production and transport in the Persian Gulf due to the ongoing conflict.

Why it matters

The fear in financial markets is that the war will disrupt the production and transport of oil and natural gas in the Persian Gulf for a long time, sending a punishing wave of inflation through the global economy. High gasoline prices and the war are already hitting confidence among U.S. consumers, whose spending makes up the bulk of the economy.

The details

Moments after the U.S. stock market finished its dismal Thursday of trading, President Donald Trump offered another potential signal for hope by extending a self-imposed deadline to 'obliterate' Iran's power plants to April 6 if it doesn't allow oil tankers to resume their exits from the Persian Gulf. However, fighting continued in the Middle East, with Iran giving no signs of backing down and Israel threatening to 'escalate and expand' its attacks on Iran.

  • On Thursday, the S&P 500 had its worst drop since the war with Iran began.
  • President Trump extended a deadline to 'obliterate' Iran's power plants to April 6.

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who has been involved in the ongoing conflict with Iran.

Iran

The Middle Eastern country that is engaged in a conflict with the United States and Israel.

Israel

The Middle Eastern country that has threatened to 'escalate and expand' its attacks on Iran.

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What they’re saying

“The diplomatic dissonance this week between the U.S. and Iran dismayed investors. By the end of the week, risk appetite could not withstand the fog of war.”

— Doug Beath, Global equity strategist at Wells Fargo Investment Institute

“Any further statements by Trump about a deal are white noise to the markets. Only if the IRANIANS say the talks are going well will it impact markets.”

— Jim Bianco, President and macro strategist at Bianco Research

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.