US equity markets extended their decline on Thursday, with broad-based selling continuing to pressure technology stocks.
The downturn reflects growing investor anxiety over geopolitical developments in the Middle East, specifically concerns regarding the operational status of the Strait of Hormuz.
Market participants are closely monitoring diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving tensions and restoring normal shipping flows through the critical chokepoint.
The selling pressure has compounded a three-day losing streak for major US indices.
Technology-heavy benchmarks have led the decline, with the Nasdaq Composite falling 2.21% to close at 25,587.04 on Wednesday, while the broader S&P 500 also posted losses.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average similarly slipped, reflecting the breadth of the risk-off move across sectors.