Why Is the Stock Market Up Today, 3/25/26?

Both the S&P 500 (SPX) and the Nasdaq 100 (NDX) are trading higher on Wednesday amid falling oil prices and new developments in the U.S.-Iran war.

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Both sides have outlined proposals to end the war, though key differences still remain. A senior Iranian official noted that the country’s first reaction to the terms was “not positive,” while a top U.S. official characterized Iran’s demands as “ridiculous and unrealistic.” Still, investors view these actions as a first step in securing a ceasefire.

Iran Sets Ceasefire Conditions, Vows Strikes Until They are Met

Iran laid out five key conditions to end the conflict and said that it would continue missile and drone strikes until they are met. These include war reparations, recognition of its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, and a full stop to “aggression and assassinations” by the U.S. and Israel.

Meanwhile, senior Iranian officials denied President Trump’s claim of direct peace talks between the two sides and accused him of manipulating the oil and stock markets. Earlier this week, Trump called off an attack on the country’s power plants for five days to allow for negotiations.