Stock Futures Plummet on Middle East Tensions

0:00On March 2nd, U.S. stock index futures dropped more than 1% early Monday as fears mounted over a drawn out conflict in the Middle East. Investors worried that ongoing tensions could disrupt key trade routes and fuel higher inflation worldwide. Airlines took the biggest hit in pre-market trading after several carriers' policy flights, while issues in the straight-of-forms sent crude oil prices. Surging 8% that dragged down financial stocks to, with big banks like Bank of America and City Group falling over 2% each, meanwhile, investors rushed to save havens, boosting the dollar and pushing gold of 3% to around $5,400 per ounce. Defense companies saw sharp gains, including Lockheed Martin and RTX each of 7%. The sell-off came after weakened strikes by the U.S. and Israel that killed Iran's top leader. Paying retaliatory attacks and raising alarms about. Wider Regional Fighting

1:00President Trump warned the situation might last another four weeks, adding to jitters from recent market drops tied to tech worries and trade issues. Eyes now turn to upcoming manufacturing data today, and jobs numbers later this week, as oil spikes threaten more price pressures amid steady interest.