Key facts
- Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged as much as 800 points before paring losses.
- Brent crude jumped nearly 4% to $117 a barrel.
- West Texas Intermediate crude rose 2% to break above $100 a barrel.
- The benchmark 10-year US Treasury yield dipped below 5% for the first time in a month.
- Consumer sentiment fell to a five-month low in October.
- Year-ahead inflation expectations rose to 4.7% in October.
Stocks fell on Friday as fears of renewed Middle East fighting and rising oil prices weighed on investors already concerned about the fragility of the market. The Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged as much as 800 points before paring its losses, while other major indexes were mixed. Traders are concerned that a prolonged conflict could pressure the oil market and risk assets. Renewed geopolitical jitters were fueled by a report that the US and Israel were planning strikes on Iran and by a statement from Iran's Supreme National Security Council indicating preparations for fresh attacks.