Stock Market Today, March 13: Markets Fall as Oil Prices Soar and Iran War Continues

By Emma Newbery – Mar 13, 2026 at 5:22PM ESTThe S&P 500 (^GSPC 0.61%) fell 0.61% to 6,632.19, the Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC 0.93%) dropped 0.93% to 22,105.36, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI 0.26%) slipped 0.26% to 46,558.47 as surging oil prices pressured equities.Market moversEnergy and other defensive pockets outperformed while cyclicals lagged today. Ollie’s Bargain Outlet (OLLI +4.14%) gained following yesterday’s Q4 earnings. Micron Technology (MU +5.08%) increased on positive commentary ahead of next week’s earnings.AI delays weighed on Meta Platforms (META 3.77%) as investors reacted to reports that the roll out of its Avocado would be pushed to May. Adobe (ADBE 7.53%) fell by 7.58% to close at $249.32 after announcing CEO Shantanu Narayen would step down during yesterday’s earnings.What this means for investorsThe S&P 500 posted its a third consecutive week of losses. Crude oil prices approached $100 a barrel due to continued disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. High oil costs put pressure on banks, materials, and consumer cyclicals. As the conflict in Iran approaches its second week, investors are preparing for further upsets.Rate cuts are unlikely to happen when the Federal Reserve meets next week. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics today showed job openings rose in January. Consumer spending rose slightly at the start of the year. However, data collected before the conflict began only gives part of the picture. Figures released today show consumer sentiment hit a three-month low. This is an indication of mounting concern about increased energy and gasoline prices. For investors, a focus on long-term goals helps offset the backdrop of fear and volatility. Read NextMar 13, 2026 •By David Jagielski, CPAThe Strait of Hormuz Is Closed, and Why That's a Huge Problem for the Price of Oil and the S&P 500Mar 12, 2026 •By Reuben Gregg BrewerG7 Talks, Strategic Reserves, and Oil: My Prediction for the Next Catalyst for MarketsMar 12, 2026 •By Reuben Gregg BrewerWeak Jobs Data and Rising Oil Prices at the Same Time: Why Investors Are Now Facing a Much Harder Market to ReadMar 12, 2026 •By Adria CiminoShould You Really Buy Stocks During Market Turbulence?

These Words From Investing Giant Warren Buffett Offer an Answer That's Strikingly Clear.Mar 12, 2026 •By Howard SmithStock Market Today, March 12: Oil Prices Surge After Iran War Fears Spark Broad Market SelloffMar 12, 2026 •By Johnny RiceWednesday's CPI Report Didn't Solve the Fed's Biggest Problem.

History Says It's About to Get Worse.About the AuthorEmma Newberry is a contributing Motley Fool cryptocurrency analyst covering digital currencies and blockchain trends. She previously wrote for Motley Fool Money (formerly The Ascent) on personal finance, investing, retirement readiness, and crypto. Earlier in her career, Emma founded an English-language newspaper in Colombia and contributed to Olympic city bid campaigns. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English literature with creative writing from the University of East Anglia in the UK.TMFemmanewberyStocks MentionedS&P 500 IndexSNPINDEX: ^GSPC$6,632.19(-0.61%)-$40.43NASDAQ Composite IndexNASDAQINDEX: ^IXIC$22,105.36(-0.93%)-$206.62Dow Jones Industrial AverageDJINDICES: ^DJI$46,558.47(-0.26%)-$119.38Ollie's Bargain OutletNASDAQ: OLLI$109.21(+4.14%)+$4.34MicrosoftNASDAQ: MSFT$395.54(-1.57%)-$6.32Meta PlatformsNASDAQ: META$614.10(-3.77%)-$24.08AdobeNASDAQ: ADBE$249.47(-7.53%)-$20.31*Average returns of all recommendations since inception. Cost basis and return based on previous market day close.