US stocks end mixed ahead of Trump's Iran deadline

U.S. stock indices closed mixed on Tuesday, as traders wished for a last-minute Iran deal.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 0.18 percent to 46,584.46. The S&P 500 added 0.08 percent to 6,616.85. The Nasdaq Composite Index increased by 0.1 percent to 22,017.85.

Six of the 11 primary S&P 500 sectors ended in green, with communication services and energy leading the gainers by adding 1.04 percent and 0.78 percent, respectively. Consumer staples and consumer discretionary led the laggards by going down 1.76 percent and 0.91 percent, respectively.

West Texas Intermediate crude futures gained about 0.5 percent to trade above 112 U.S. dollars per barrel, while international Brent crude futures settled at 109.27 dollars per barrel.

The New York Federal Reserve's March survey of consumer expectations showed more U.S. households anticipating they will be financially worse off in the year ahead, citing rising gas and food prices linked to the ongoing war against Iran.

Health insurer stocks jumped sharply after the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services finalized a better-than-expected Medicare Advantage payment rate increase of nearly 2.5 percent on average for 2027, marking a significant improvement from the initial proposal of 0.1 percent. Shares of UnitedHealth Group, CVS, and Humana all rose more than 6 percent.

Broadcom gained 6.21 percent as a bright spot, supported by the company's announcement of expanded artificial intelligence computing deals with Google and Anthropic. Meanwhile, Apple declined 2.07 percent after reports highlighted engineering challenges facing the company's anticipated foldable iPhone models.

Universal Music Group soared 13.73 percent following news that Bill Ackman's Pershing Square Capital Management is pursuing a potential acquisition of the music giant, home to artists including Taylor Swift, Drake, and Bad Bunny.

Market sentiment remained cautious as the 8 p.m. Eastern Time deadline approached, with traders closely watching developments in the Middle East that could further influence energy prices in the coming days.