Markets drift as Apple leadership change and Iran tensions weigh sentiment

U.S. stocks edged lower as investors weighed Apple’s leadership transition, the start of Fed chair nominee Kevin Warsh’s confirmation hearings, and ongoing Iran-related risk. The Dow dipped about 0.1%, the S&P 500 around 0.2% lower, and the Nasdaq roughly 0.3% weaker, even as March retail sales rose 1.7%. Apple stock eased early in trading amid Cook’s departure, with energy/geo-political headlines contributing to the cautious mood.