Wall St opens higher as US-Iran tensions ease

Wall Street stocks opened higher on Wednesday, as a de-escalation in tensions between the United States and Iran boosted investor sentiment. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 161 points, or 0.6%, to 28,697 in early trading, while the S&P 500 gained 0.5% and the Nasdaq Composite added 0.6%. The move came after both Washington and Tehran signaled a desire to avoid further military confrontation, following Iran's missile attacks on Iraqi bases housing U.S. troops. The attacks, which caused no casualties, were seen as a measured response to the U.S. killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani last week. Markets had been on edge over the possibility of a broader conflict that could disrupt global oil supplies and economic growth. The relief rally was broad-based, with all 11 major S&P sectors trading higher. Energy stocks, which had surged on supply fears, slipped as oil prices fell more than 4%. Investors now turn their attention to the upcoming earnings season and the signing of the U.S.-China Phase 1 trade deal, expected later this month. Analysts caution that while the immediate threat of war has receded, geopolitical risks remain, and any new flare-up could quickly reverse the gains.