US Stocks Mixed Amid War Against Iran: Investor Sentiment Improves, But Greed Index Remains In 'Fear' Zone

Market Sentiment - The CNN Money Fear and Greed index showed some easing in overall fear, with a current reading of 41.6, indicating it remains in the "Fear" zone compared to a prior reading of 38 [5] - U.S. stocks settled mixed, with the Dow Jones index falling more than 50 points amid escalating tensions in the Middle East [1][4] Economic Data - The ISM manufacturing PMI fell to 52.4 in February from 52.6 in the previous month, exceeding market estimates of 51.8 [3] - The S&P Global manufacturing PMI declined to 51.6 in February from 53.4 in the prior month, also below market estimates of 52.6 [3] Sector Performance - Most sectors on the S&P 500 closed negatively, with consumer staples, consumer discretionary, and health care stocks recording the biggest losses [4] - Energy and industrials stocks bucked the overall market trend, closing higher [4] - The Dow Jones closed lower by around 73 points at 48,904.78, while the S&P 500 rose 0.04% to 6,881.62, and the Nasdaq Composite gained 0.36% at 22,748.86 during the session [4]