US stocks close in green, Dow Jones adds 317 pts

US stock indices rose by the end of Monday’s trading session, as investors were optimistic about signs that Iran is willing to de-escalate military tensions with Israel — a move that could help prevent further escalation of military conflict in the Middle East.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by 0.75%, or 317 points, closing at 42,515 points.

The broader S&P 500 Index gained 0.94%, or 56 points, to reach 6,033 points, while the Nasdaq Composite climbed 1.52%, or 294 points, to close at 19,701 points.

The Stoxx Europe 600 Index increased by 0.35% to 546 points, supported by a 0.40% rise in the oil and gas sector.

Germany’s DAX rose by 0.80% to 23,699 points, France’s CAC climbed 0.75% to 7,742 points, and the UK’s FTSE advanced 0.30% to 8,875 points.

Japan’s Nikkei 225 Index increased by 1.25% to 38,311 points, while the broader Topix Index added around 0.75% to reach 2,777 points.

Brent crude futures for August delivery fell by 1.35%, or $1, to $73.23 per barrel.

US WTI crude futures for July delivery dropped by 1.66%, or $1.21, to $71.77 per barrel.

August futures for the yellow metal declined by 1%, or $35.5, to settle at $3,417.30 per ounce.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Iran has conveyed to the US and Israel, in diplomatic messages via Arab mediators, its desire to cease hostilities and resume negotiations on its nuclear program.

This helped calm market concerns over the escalating geopolitical situation in the Middle East. Although US President Donald Trump confirmed that Iran expressed a desire to negotiate, he said the move came too late, emphasizing that Tehran would not win this war.