Stocks Slightly Lower as Oil Prices Jump Amid Geopolitical Tensions

U.S. equity markets experienced a slight downturn today, following a strong week, as investors shifted focus to geopolitical developments. Oil prices surged by over 4%, pushing WTI crude above $80 per barrel, after Houthi militants claimed responsibility for an attack on a Saudi refinery near the Red Sea and efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz remained stalled.