With tensions rising between the United States and Iran, the three major indexes on the New York Stock Exchange opened mixed.
At 9:58 a.m. on the 20th local time, the Dow Jones Industrial Average on the New York Stock Exchange was up 10.71 points, or 0.02%, at 49,458.14. The Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500 was down 4.28 points, or 0.06%, at 7,121.78, and the Nasdaq composite was down 41.68 points, or 0.17%, at 24,426.80.
Investor sentiment appeared to weaken after Iran reimposed a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz just one day after reopening it over the weekend. After the United States seized an Iranian cargo ship that was attempting to break the maritime blockade, Iran again closed the Strait of Hormuz. However, losses were limited as both countries were said to still be working toward cease-fire talks.
According to the Associated Press and others, Iran has expressed willingness to participate in a second round of talks with the United States to be held in Islamabad, Pakistan, this week. Reuters, citing unnamed sources, said Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir told President Trump in a phone call that the U.S. maritime blockade against Iran was hindering the talks, and that President Trump said he would take that into consideration.