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US stock market today: Dow, S&P 500 futures steady as investors track US-Iran war developments

US stock futures remained stable as investors followed Middle East developments amid potential US-Iran negotiations. The Dow, S&amp;P 500, and Nasdaq traded flat, while conflicting statements from both nations about war-ending efforts continue.&nbsp;

Mar 26, 2026 &03062626202631; 12:06 UTC www.livemint.com Trending 5/5

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Neutral impact

Sentiment score: +5/100

Moderate impact Immediate effect (hours)

WHAT THIS MEANS

US stock futures holding steady despite elevated geopolitical tension between US-Iran with conflicting peace negotiation signals. VIX spiking 8.37% signals underlying fear, but equity indices showing resilience with S&P 500 +0.54%, suggesting market is pricing in a negotiated resolution rather than escalation.

AI CONFIDENCE

45% Moderate

SENTIMENT GAUGE

NEWS POWER SCORE

AFFECTED ASSETS

⇅

S&P 500

^GSPCIndex

High volatility expected

S&P 500 already up 0.54% but VIX elevated 8.37% — conflicting signals. Geopolitical risk remains unresolved; any escalation headlines could trigger sharp reversal. Market is in wait-and-see mode on US-Iran negotiations.

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VIX

VIXIndex

Expected to rise

Fear gauge spiking 8.37% despite flat equities — classic risk-off signal. Elevated VIX suggests market pricing tail risk; further escalation could push VIX higher, equity downside.

⇅

Oil (WTI Crude)

CL=FCommodity

High volatility expected

Oil highly sensitive to Middle East conflict. Conflicting peace signals create uncertainty; any escalation would spike crude, any peace deal would reverse gains.

⇅

Euro / US Dollar

EURUSDCurrency

High volatility expected

Safe-haven USD typically strengthens on geopolitical risk, but negotiations reduce urgency. Conflicting statements create two-way risk.

PRICE HISTORY

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⚡ SUGGESTED ACTION

AVOID directional trades until clarity emerges on US-Iran negotiations. VIX elevation suggests downside protection is expensive but justified. If peace deal announced, expect sharp equity rally and VIX collapse. If escalation, expect 1-2% equity selloff. Monitor for official statements from both governments in next 2-4 hours. [MOVE:0.8%]

KEY SIGNALS

VIX +8.37% despite flat equities = fear premium not yet reflected in stock pricesConflicting US-Iran statements = binary outcome risk (peace vs. escalation)S&P 500 +0.54% = market leaning toward negotiated resolution, but fragileFresh news (4 min old) = real-time market reaction still unfolding

SECTORS INVOLVED

EnergyDefenseFinancialsTechnology

Analysis generated on Mar 26, 2026 at 12:10 UTC

Disclaimer: This analysis is generated by artificial intelligence for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, investment recommendation, or solicitation. Original reporting by Livemint. Always conduct your own research and consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.

US stock market today: Dow, S&amp;P 500 futures steady as investors track US-Iran war developments

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US stock market today: Dow, S&P 500 futures steady as investors track US-Iran war developments