Stock Market Update

[BRIEFING.COM] The S&P 500 (+0.1%), Nasdaq Composite (flat), and DJIA (-0.1%) remain in close proximity to their flat lines entering the final hour of the midweek session.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the Pentagon is preparing a second aircraft carrier to deploy to the Middle East amid escalating tensions with Iran. 

Oil prices were firmer today amid the geopolitical uncertainty, with crude oil futures settling today's session $0.59 higher (+0.9%) at $64.60 per barrel. The energy sector (+2.5%) is the top-performing S&P 500 sector today after posting a slight loss yesterday.