Dow drops 500 points as Brent nears $100, oil at six-week high

US equities fell sharply, with the Dow losing nearly 500 points, as Brent crude approached $100 per barrel, reaching a six-week high. The move reflects growing market anxiety over rising energy costs and their potential impact on inflation and growth. The key uncertainty is whether oil prices will sustain above $100 and how central banks will respond.