New York, March 4, 2026, 17:00 EST U.S. stocks closed higher on Wednesday after a report Iran had signaled openness to talks and the White House outlined steps aimed at limiting oil-market disruption, easing a bout of inflation anxiety that had hit markets a day earlier. The Nasdaq Composite climbed 1.29%, while the S&P 500 added 0.78% and the Dow rose 0.49%, according to preliminary data. “That combination is giving the market some optimism,” said Jim Awad at Clearstead Advisors, while Richard Bernstein at Richard Bernstein Advisors warned a longer conflict “could mean more volatility.” https://www.reuters.com/business/wall-street-futures-slip-middle-east-conflict-oil-driven-inflation-concerns-2026-03-04/ The rebound matters because