Stocks fell in the first quarter amid concerns that artificial intelligence (AI) could disrupt certain industries and geopolitical issues that unsettled investors. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 3.58 percent while the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 4.63 percent. The Nasdaq Composite declined 7.11 percent.

Stocks rose over the short trading week on fresh hopes for a quick end to the Middle East conflict, while March job growth was unexpectedly strong. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index picked up 3.36 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index gained 4.44 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 2.96 percent.

Another volatile week unfolded as rapid developments in the Middle East and public comments from leaders on the conflict see-sawed markets, leaving investors struggling to keep up with updates. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index lost 1.89 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index fell 2.07 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 2.11 percent.

Stocks fell last week as investors assessed the implications of a fresh Middle East conflict while digesting mixed reports on the jobs market. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 2.02 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index slid 1.24 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 3.05 percent.