US Markets Under Pressure: Dow, Nasdaq Fall Ahead of Expected Sharp Opening Losses

New York, United States — March 23, 2026

US stock markets remained under pressure, with Dow Jones, S&P 500, and Nasdaq closing lower on Friday and signaling further weakness ahead of Monday’s opening amid ongoing global uncertainty.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 0.96% to close at 45,577, while the S&P 500 dropped 1.51%. The tech-heavy Nasdaq led the losses, falling 2% to settle at 21,647.

Market sentiment remains fragile as geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, continue to weigh on investor confidence. Analysts suggest that volatility is likely to persist until there is clarity on the geopolitical front.

Futures indicators point toward another weak start for US markets, raising concerns about potential large-scale erosion in investor wealth if the downward trend continues.

The expected decline could impact global financial markets, as US equities often set the tone for investor sentiment worldwide.

Investors are increasingly cautious, with many shifting toward safer assets amid heightened uncertainty and risk-off behavior across global markets.