Nasdaq Composite Plunges 2% as Geopolitical Tensions and Oil Surge Weigh on Tech-Heavy Index

The Nasdaq Composite Index tumbled more than 2% on Friday, March 20, 2026, closing at 21,647.61 after shedding 443.08 points, as escalating U.S.-Israeli military actions against Iran drove oil prices higher and fueled investor fears of prolonged economic instability. The tech-heavy index felt the brunt of the sell-off as energy costs threatened margins and geopolitical uncertainty prompted a flight to safety.