U.S. stock markets experienced fluctuations as rising tensions in the Middle East led to a spike in oil prices, prompting the Dow to fall by 250 points. Meanwhile, investors are awaiting key economic data, including jobs and manufacturing reports, which influenced market sentiments. Futures for the Dow Jones and S&P 500 also dipped ahead of analysis from Fed Chair Jerome Powell, who signaled modest rate cuts amidst mixed responses from Asian and European markets. Overall, trading remains mixed with some indexes hitting record highs, while others are edging lower as market participants prepare for upcoming labor market data.