Market Indexes Tumble on Geopolitical Tensions and Chip Stock Selloff

U.S. stock markets fell sharply on Wednesday amid renewed Middle East geopolitical tensions and ahead of the Federal Reserve's policy decision. The Dow dropped 1.7%, S&P 500 fell 1.0%, and Nasdaq declined 1.3%. Semiconductor stocks were hit hardest, with the sector extending a 10% weekly decline. Oil prices surged over 6% on Iran tensions, pressuring energy-dependent companies across sectors.