Stocks Settle Sharply Lower as Trump Weighs Attack on Iran

The Dow and S&P 500 snapped three-day win streaks on Thursday, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq also settled firmly lower as software stocks struggled. Traders ditched private credit stocks after news that Blue Own Capital (OWL) will restrict investor liquidity after selling $1.4 billion in loan assets. Remarks from President Donald Trump weighed on sentiment as well, after he noted at the first Board of Peace meeting in Washington, D.C. that a decision on whether the U.S. would strike Iran will probably come over the next 10 days.

Continue reading for more on today's market, including:

• How to avoid these 7 deadly options sins.
• Chewy stock upgraded on attractive risk/reward profile.
• Plus, DASH brushes off earnings whiff; why HIMS edged higher; and keep tabs on this oil ETF.

5 Things to Know Today

1. Amazon.com (AMZN) surpassed retail competitor Walmart (WMT) as the company with the largest annual revenue amid increased investments in AI. (CNBC)
2. Etsy (ETSY) stock rallied after the company reported stronger-than-expected Q4 profits and revealed it will sell Depop to eBay (EBAY) for $1.2 billion. (Barron's)
3. How DoorDash stock overcame a quarterly miss.
4. Acquisition buzz boosted Hims & Hers Health stock.
5. Oil ETF to watch amid simmering U.S.-Iran tensions.

Gold Edges Lower After Jobless Claims Data

Oil prices moved higher on Thursday amid Iran tensions. This comes as U.S. military forces gather in the Middle East, with a second aircraft carrier on its way to the region. March-dated West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude added $1.24, or 1.9%, to settle at $71.66 barrel.

Gold prices edged lower, as weekly jobless data pointed to labor market stability ahead of inflation data. April-dated gold futures dropped 0.2% to settle at $4,997.40 per ounce.