Futures on stock indices plummeted, and investors rushed into safe-haven assets after Israel attacked Iran's nuclear facilities, triggering a significant escalation of tensions in the Middle East. Crude oil surged by 9% — the largest jump in the past three years.

Futures on the S&P 500 index dropped by 1.6%, and the Asian stock index fell by 1.1%. U.S. Treasury bonds rose, with the 10-year yield slipping by one basis point to 4.34%. Gold increased, while cryptocurrencies fell. The dollar index added 0.4% after an initial decline, supported by a flight to safer currencies despite recent doubts about the dollar's stability.

The airstrikes on Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile facilities have reignited the standoff between the two adversaries, with the risk of escalating into a broader conflict. Although the market's strongest reaction was seen in crude oil, movements in other sectors suggest investors are watching closely to see how long the tensions persist and whether the situation worsens.

This incident served as a catalyst for a chain reaction of events that had an immediate impact on global markets and the geopolitical landscape. However, the most notable blow was to the stock market, which had already been marked by high volatility. Investors, fearful of a large-scale war and its accompanying economic instability, rushed to dump risk assets — now seen as particularly vulnerable.

"We're seeing classic risk-off moves," said Wilson Asset Management. "Right now, we're watching the speed and scope of Tehran's response. That will determine the duration of the current market moves. Often these reactions fade after the initial shock."

"Israel will never allow those who call for our destruction to acquire the means to achieve that goal," stated Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after Israel launched airstrikes on Iran's nuclear and military infrastructure. Israel announced that the operation would continue as long as necessary to neutralize the threat. Iran, in turn, promised a harsh response.

This move followed repeated warnings by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of a potential strike on Iran and its nuclear program. Iran had earlier stated that it would open a new uranium enrichment facility in response to condemnation from the UN's nuclear watchdog over its nuclear activities.

The most immediate market impact was in the oil sector, as Iran is a major crude oil exporter to countries such as China and India. Movement in other sectors was more restrained, as investors braced for the possibility of a more aggressive sell-off.

S&P 500 Technical Outlook

Today, the key task for buyers will be to break through the nearest resistance at $5986. This would support further growth and open the path toward $5999. Another key objective for the bulls will be to regain control of the $6013 level, which would further strengthen their position. If the market moves lower due to reduced risk appetite, buyers must assert themselves around $5962. A break below this level would quickly push the index back to $5946 and open the way to $5933.