U.S. Stocks Edge Higher as Traders Monitor U.S.-Iran Negotiations

U.S. stocks posted modest gains on May 29, 2026, as investors awaited updates on a potential diplomatic accord between Washington and Tehran that could ease Middle East tensions and stabilize global energy markets. The S&P 500 rose 0.3% to 5,870, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.2% to 38,410. The Nasdaq Composite advanced 0.4% to 21,680, led by technology shares. Trading volumes remained thin ahead of the long Memorial Day weekend, amplifying price swings. A deal could lift sanctions on Iranian oil exports, potentially lowering crude prices, but details remained scant. West Texas Intermediate crude dipped 0.5% to $72.80 a barrel. "Markets are in a holding pattern—any headline on progress or breakdown will drive the next move," said Michael Hart, chief market strategist at ClearBridge Investments. Defensive sectors like utilities and consumer staples also drew bids, signaling lingering caution.