Markets Finish Flat After Volatile Session for Crude

The major benchmarks struggled for direction this afternoon, with developments in the Middle East and crude prices in focus. The Dow and Nasdaq settled on either side of breakeven despite earlier surges, while the S&P 500 inched lower. False claims from Energy Secretary Chris Wright in a since deleted social media post that the U.S. Navy had safely escorted an energy tanker through the Strait of Hormuz contributed to today's whipsaw action, though the White House later clarified that did not happen. Oil prices extended their rout, the front-month contract falling as much as 15% per barrel midday.

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

• Rare earths favorite flashing another "buy" signal.
• Same-store sales boost convenience store stock.
• Plus, mixed results for this retailer; EV stock making moves; and tech name ready to run higher.

5 Things to Know Today

1. The U.S. military ramped up strikes against Iran today. (Bloomberg)
2. Amazon.com (AMZN) just landed another win in the AI sphere. (CNBC)
3. Retail stock brushed off revenue miss.
4. Delivery buzz pushed this EV stock higher.
5. Popular tech name ripe for a short-term lift.

Oil Extends Fall Amid Shifting Headlines

Crude continued its fall from highs, brushing off Wright's false tanker escort claims. Despite meeting this morning, G7 was unable to come to a conclusion for releasing stockpiles. April-dated West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude lost 11.9% to close at $83.45 per barrel.

Gold pivoted higher in today's session, as the U.S. dollar eased alongside Inflation concerns after President Donald Trump said he expected to be near the end of war. April-dated gold futures added 2.7% to settle at $5,242.10 an ounce.