Dow Jones opens higher Nasdaq flattens off as Trump says Iran talks 'serious'

• All three major indices suffered losses of 2.8% to 5.25% last week, with the Nasdaq, S&P 500, and Dow now down 7.5-7.9% from recent highs after four weeks of Middle East conflict
• March nonfarm payrolls data will be released Good Friday despite market closure, with economists expecting around 56,000 jobs added and unemployment near 4.4-4.5%; retail sales data Tuesday is seen as particularly important
• Oil prices continued climbing with WTI crude up 1.7% to $101.30/barrel as Trump threatened to 'obliterate' Iranian infrastructure if deal talks fail, while also suggesting possible ground operations to seize oil facilities

Market Summary: US Stocks Open Mixed Amid Iran Diplomatic Developments

Market Performance:

US markets opened with mixed results on March 30, 2026. The Dow Jones rose 0.4% to above 45,350, while the S&P 500 gained 0.2%. The Nasdaq turned slightly negative after initial gains. All three indices were nursing losses from the previous week, with declines ranging from 2.8% to 5.25%. Year-to-date from recent highs, the S&P and Dow are down approximately 7.5%, with the Nasdaq off 7.9%.

Key Development:

President Trump announced the US is in "serious discussions" with Iran, suggesting "great progress" has been made. However, he threatened severe military action including destroying electric plants, oil wells, and Kharg Island if the Strait of Hormuz doesn't reopen soon. Iran's foreign ministry dismissed US proposals as "unrealistic, illogical and excessive." Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated the conflict could continue for an additional 2-4 weeks.

Sector Movement:

Semiconductor stocks led declines, with Marvell, Western Digital, Micron, Intel, ASML, and Applied Materials under pressure. WTI crude oil rose 1.7% to $101.30 per barrel.

Week Ahead:

Markets face a holiday-shortened week with Wall Street closed Friday for Good Friday. Key data releases include March nonfarm payrolls (expected 56,000 jobs added, unemployment 4.4-4.5%), retail sales Tuesday, consumer confidence, JOLTS, ADP employment, and weekly jobless claims. Nike headlines corporate earnings Tuesday, with focus on China demand and consumer trends.

Global Markets:

European markets opened higher (FTSE +0.9%, DAX +0.3%), while Asian markets were cautious with Japanese and Indian benchmarks falling over 2%.