Israeli-Iranian Strikes Trigger 769-Point Plunge in US Markets

The Israeli military launched a massive airstrike on Iranian nuclear and military facilities late on the night of the 12th, dubbed 'Rising Lion.' In retaliation, Iran deployed around 100 drones and missiles, triggering air raid alerts across several locations in Israel. This escalation heightened tensions in the Middle East and exerted downward pressure on US markets. Reports indicate that on the 13th, the US stock market closed in the red, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average plunging by 769.83 points, a 1.79% decline, ending at 42197.79 points. The S&P 500 index fell by 68.29 points (1.13%), closing at 5976.97 points. The technology-heavy Nasdaq index dropped by 255.65 points, a 1.30% decline, settling at 19406.83 points. Nvidia (NVDA), closely tied to tech and AI development, also suffered a fall, closing at $141.97, down 2.09%. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) saw a decrease of 2.01%, closing at $211.10. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index declined significantly by 136.908 points, down 2.61%, settling at 5112.242 points. Furthermore, according to Reuters, international oil prices surged by 13% at one point on the 13th, marking a rare increase in recent years. JPMorgan also issued a warning that should hostilities escalate further, leading to a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, international oil prices could soar past $130.