Wall Street Edges Higher Amid Ongoing Middle East Tensions

Stocks on Wall Street edged higher today despite ongoing tensions in the Middle East. The S&P 500 rose 0.1%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 62 points. However, all three indexes are still set to finish the week lower.

The Brent crude oil price fell for the first time this week, down $3.02 at $97.67 per barrel. This decline comes after the price shot up to $102 per barrel just a day earlier.

Heavy fighting in the Middle East has threatened to slow the global flow of oil and gas, with attacks on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea adding to concerns. US President Donald Trump has warned of 'major military punishment' against Houthi rebels if they continue attacking ships.