The S&P 500 settled lower on Thursday as Microsoft (MSFT) shares sold off amid slowing cloud growth and soft margin guidance, which triggered a triple-digit loss for the tech-heavy Nasdaq as software stocks struggled. The Dow enjoyed a modest gain, with investors now tuned into Apple's (AAPL) result after today's jobs and trade deficit data. A partial government shutdown also became more likely, too, with the Senate failing to advance a government funding package ahead of Saturday’s deadline.

OIL JUMPS ON IRAN STRIKE TALKS AS GOLD COOLS

Oil prices shot higher on Thursday as President Trump reportedly considered military strikes on Iran, which may lead to crude supply disruptions. March-dated West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude was up $1.59, or 2.3%, to $69.99 per barrel.

Gold prices fell, putting an end to the safe-haven rally as investors took profits, though the precious metal remains on track for its best monthly performance since the 1980s. February-dated gold futures slid 0.3%, to end at $5,318.40 per ounce. 

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