US stocks today: Dow Jones falls 84 points, S&P, Nasdaq over 0.3% on worries about Middle East war, interest rates
Why it matters: Higher oil, rates, and geopolitical risk threaten earnings and could tighten credit for investors.
- Dow Jones fell 84.75 points (0.18%) as investors reacted to war risk and higher yields.
- S&P 500 and Nasdaq slipped 0.33% and 0.84% respectively, with energy leading gains and tech/communication services leading losses.
- Trump said the U.S. is talking to “the right people” in Iran, temporarily soothing markets, but Pentagon plans to send more 82nd Airborne troops reignited anxiety.
- Carol Schleif (BMO) notes short‑term nervousness as investors watch oil and rates, while Kevin Gordon (Schwab) warns a “double whammy” of higher oil and rates creates a stagflationary backdrop.
- Ares Management and Apollo Global Management limited redemptions in private‑credit funds as withdrawal requests surged, highlighting liquidity strain.
- Federal Reserve signaled only one rate cut in 2026, ending expectations for cuts this year and adding pressure on growth.
U.S. equities slipped as Middle East tensions and rising oil prices revived inflation worries, while a weak 2‑year Treasury auction and a hawkish Fed outlook pushed yields higher. Trump’s tentative Iran talks gave a brief rally, but concerns over additional troop deployments and tighter private‑credit liquidity kept investors cautious.
