U.S. Stock futures declined Tuesday night following a day of volatility in equity markets. Futures linked to the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.33%, while S&P 500 futures lost 0.34% and Nasdaq 100 futures dropped 0.45%.
Market Volatility
Major stock averages closed Tuesday in negative territory, though off their lowest points of the day. The S&P 500 slipped 0.34%, the Dow lost roughly 403 points, or 0.8%, and the Nasdaq Composite closed down 1%. At one point during Tuesday’s session, the Dow Industrials had fallen more than 1,200 points.
All 11 sectors of the S&P 500 closed lower on Tuesday. Materials performed the worst, dropping 2.7%, followed by industrials, which fell nearly 2%. Investor concerns centered on the potential impact of rising oil prices on the U.S. Economy and future monetary policy.
Tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz—a vital route for crude oil—halted after an Iranian Revolutionary Guard commander threatened to set fire to ships attempting passage. Brent crude oil futures settled up 4.71%, and West Texas Intermediate crude futures advanced 4.68%, though both ended the day off their session highs.
James McCann, senior economist at Edward Jones, suggested that opportunities may emerge for long-term investors if energy prices stabilize in the coming days and weeks.
Looking Ahead
Traders will be watching the ADP private payrolls report on Wednesday. The Dow Jones consensus estimates 48,000 jobs were added in February, an increase from the 22,000 added in January. Earnings reports from Abercrombie & Fitch, Broadcom, and Okta are also expected.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened with the Dow Jones Industrial Average on Tuesday?
The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost roughly 403 points, or 0.8%, on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. At one point during the day, the Dow fell more than 1,200 points.
Why were stocks down Tuesday?
Investors weighed concerns about how rising oil prices could potentially affect the U.S. Economy and future monetary policy decisions.
What is expected on Wednesday?
Traders will be watching the ADP private payrolls report, with a consensus estimate of 48,000 jobs added in February. Earnings reports from Abercrombie & Fitch, Broadcom, and Okta are also expected.
Given the current volatility, how do you anticipate market sentiment evolving in the short term?
