Trump hoped his Iran pause would bring a stock-market miracle — but investors aren’t buying

President Trump’s five-day pause in Iran hostilities, ending March 28, aimed to stabilize markets and extend the decade-long U.S. stock bull run. The temporary truce coincides with military buildups, including deployments of Marines and the 82nd Airborne to the Persian Gulf. Investors remain skeptical, with major indices showing no recovery. The S&P 500 has declined over five consecutive trading days, trading flat despite brief oil price dips to $88 per barrel before rebounding above $90. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, despite hopes of nearing 50,000 by Friday, faces uncertainty as the conflict’s resumption looms post-pause. Market sentiment reflects doubt over geopolitical risks outweighing short-term relief measures. Oil futures volatility underscores lingering tensions, with WTI prices fluctuating sharply. The brief dip failed to boost equities, signaling deeper concerns about prolonged Middle East instability and its economic impact. Analysts attribute the market’s muted response to Trump’s strategy, suggesting even his Truth Social posts may not reverse investor pessimism amid escalating geopolitical and military preparations.