Global financial markets have turned volatile following the launch of joint U.S. and Israeli military operations against Iran. The U.S. stock market has been hit particularly hard, losing more than $2 trillion in value over the past two weeks. The benchmark S&P 500 index, which tracks the performance of major American companies, fell again, closing 0.61 percent lower at 6,632.19 points—its lowest level so far in 2026 and about 5 percent below its recent peak.

The index had closed at 6,878.88 points on February 27, the day before the attacks on Iran began, marking a 3.6 percent decline since then. Analysts estimate that the drop has wiped out roughly $2.2 trillion in market capitalization from S&P 500-listed firms. Rising oil prices and uncertainty surrounding the Iran conflict have heightened investor anxiety, leading to widespread selling pressure.

Because the S&P 500 is closely tied to pension and investment funds, the ongoing market instability could also affect ordinary investors across the United States.