Nasdaq finishes slightly up amid hopes for Iran deadline extension

US Tech 100 finished modestly higher as investors weighed escalating Middle East tensions ahead of a Trump-set deadline for Iran, leaving markets jittery and trading in a narrow range. The Nasdaq eked out a small gain amid mixed sector moves, while the Dow and S&P showed minor divergences. Oil surged (WTI near ~$115) on conflict-driven supply worries, lifting energy-linked volatility and feeding inflation concerns ahead of March CPI and core PCE reads. Policymakers and traders are watching inflation data and corporate earnings (Levi Strauss after the bell) for cues. Separately, CMS’s boost to Medicare Advantage payments (2.48% for 2027) powered gains in insurer stocks. Overall tone: cautious and mixed, with geopolitics the dominant market driver.