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.
![Week In Perspective | Stocks Rise on Hopes of Middle East Calm [6-April-26] Thumbnail](https://static.twentyoverten.com/content/featured/wip-featured-stocks-rise-on-hopes-of-middle-east-calm.png)
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.
![Week In Perspective | Markets Dizzied by Rapid Reports [23-March-26] Thumbnail](https://static.twentyoverten.com/content/featured/wip-featured-markets-dizzied-by-rapid-reports.png)
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.
U.S. stocks struggled in February amid fears that artificial intelligence would disrupt a wide swath of industries, unsettling investors. Late in the month, geopolitical concerns weighed on the market amid tensions in the Middle East. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index slipped 0.87 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite fell 3.38 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged higher, picking up 0.17 percent.