NewsWatch: Dow futures drop more than 200 points as U.S.-Iran tensions escalate

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MARKETWATCH FRONT PAGE

Stock-index futures drop sharply Friday after a U.S. airstrike in Baghdad kills a top Iranian military commander and stokes fears of an escalating conflict in the Middle East. See full story.

Why oil could hit $80 even without a ‘full-blown’ U.S.-Iran war

Oil prices could “make a run at $80” a barrel even in the absence of a full-blown U.S.-Iran war, one analyst says. And that isn’t necessarily bad news for U.S. stocks, history shows. See full story.

How the stock market’s early January performance could affect its 2020 returns

The first trading week of the year isn’t the market predictor many investors think it is, writes Mark Hulbert. See full story.

10 things stock market investors ought to watch out for in January

The first month of the year can carry more volatility. See full story.

This gorgeous country is the No. 1 place to retire abroad — and you can do it on just $2,200 a month

International Living is out with its list of the best places to retire abroad See full story.

MARKETWATCH PERSONAL FINANCE

Stop saying you’re not a “numbers person.” See full story.