Stock market today: Dow rises, S&P 500 and Nasdaq slip as chip stocks tank, oil surges

March 30, 2026 - 22:03

The Dow Jones Industrial Average managed a modest gain Tuesday, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite slipped into negative territory. The divergence highlighted a market grappling with crosscurrents of geopolitical tension and sector-specific pressures.

Technology shares, particularly semiconductor stocks, faced significant selling pressure, dragging down the broader indices. This sector weakness offset gains in other areas, including a resilient performance from several blue-chip industrial components that helped lift the Dow.

Meanwhile, crude oil prices surged, extending a recent rally. The upward move reflects heightened anxiety over supply stability as the conflict in the Middle East enters its second month, introducing a persistent layer of uncertainty into global markets.

This combination of slumping tech and soaring energy costs underscores an investment landscape increasingly dominated by macro risks. Analysts note that market sentiment remains fragile, with traders weighing robust corporate earnings against the potential for prolonged instability and its impact on inflation and economic growth. The day's trading action suggests a cautious pivot toward more defensive assets amid the unsettled backdrop.