Investors are concerned that, should Israel strike critical Iranian assets, the Islamic Republic will lash out and escalate the conflict, dragging in more countries and potentially disrupting global energy shipments. Israel said it bombed more than a dozen Hezbollah targets in Beirut on Thursday.
Why US stocks are rising: Nasdaq hits record after weaker jobs data cools rate-hike bets; Nike shares drop on forecast
US stocks rose, with the Nasdaq Composite hitting a record high after disappointing jobs data emerged. Lower Treasury yields and declining oil prices contributed to