Stocks End Slightly Lower as T-note Yields Rise

Market Performance - The S&P 500 Index fell by -0.21%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average decreased by -0.07%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index declined by -0.04% on Tuesday [1] - March E-mini S&P futures dropped by -0.11%, while March E-mini Nasdaq futures increased by +0.08% [1] Economic Indicators - The 10-year T-note yield rose by more than +5 basis points, contributing to bearish sentiment in the stock market [2] - The US February existing home sales report showed a +1.7% month-over-month increase to 4.09 million, surpassing expectations of a decline to 3.88 million [3] Oil Market Dynamics - WTI oil prices experienced a significant drop of -12% on Tuesday, influenced by President Trump's comments suggesting the Iran war would conclude soon and discussions among G-7 finance ministers regarding a potential release of oil stockpiles [4][5] - The G-7 nations expressed readiness to release oil stockpiles if necessary, as discussed in a meeting at the International Energy Agency in Paris [4] Geopolitical Factors - The Pentagon reported the most intensive day of bombing in the Iran conflict, raising concerns about regional stability [2] - Iran appointed hardliner Mojtaba Khamenei as the new supreme leader, which may impact the geopolitical landscape and relations with the US [6]