U.S. Stock Market Faces Uncertainty Amid Rising Oil Prices
NEW YORK (AP) — The U.S. stock market is experiencing a slowdown on Monday, as concerns grow about the ongoing conflict in Iran, leading to a spike in oil prices.
The S&P 500 dipped by 0.2%, pulling back slightly from its recent record high, which was boosted by positive earnings reports from American companies and the hope that the global economy could steer clear of the worst impacts of the war. Meanwhile, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 155 points, or 0.3%, while the Nasdaq also saw a 0.3% decline from its own recent peak.
Oil prices experienced a significant jump, rising around 3% as tanker traffic remains hindered in the Strait of Hormuz. This blockade is preventing crude oil from reaching global markets, particularly Iranian oil, which is currently restricted by the U.S. Navy.
Iran has suggested it might reopen the strait if the U.S. lifts its blockade. However, discussions about Iran’s nuclear program could take place later. U.S. President Donald Trump seems hesitant to accept this offer, which was communicated through Pakistan, a key mediator in the situation.
Over the weekend, Trump instructed U.S. representatives not to go to Pakistan, emphasizing that Iran should approach Washington directly with any proposals. This indicates his intention to maintain pressure on Iran through the blockade.
Brent crude, which is priced for deliveries in June, saw a 3.4% increase to $108.92 per barrel. Prices for July deliveries rose by 3% to $102.08 per barrel. Before the conflict, Brent was trading around $70 per barrel, but prices have surged close to $120 during times of heightened tension.
Despite the geopolitical issues, many large U.S. companies have reported better-than-expected profits for early 2026. This positive performance contributed to a nearly 13% rise in the S&P 500 since its low in late March.
Verizon Communications’ stock jumped 3.3% after announcing it gained more postpaid phone customers in the first quarter than it lost for the first time since 2013, though its revenue did not meet analysts’ projections. On the flip side, Domino’s Pizza saw its stock drop 9.6% after reporting lower-than-expected profits and revenues.
Several major companies, including Alphabet, Amazon, Meta Platforms, and Microsoft, are set to release their earnings reports this week, with Apple following on Thursday.
In the bond market, Treasury yields rose alongside oil prices, with the yield on the 10-year Treasury note climbing to 4.33%, up from 4.31% late Friday.
The Federal Reserve’s latest decision on interest rates is expected on Wednesday, with traders predicting that rates will remain stable. While lower rates could stimulate the economy, they might also exacerbate inflation amidst fluctuating oil prices and tariffs that could increase product costs.
This week’s meeting is likely to be Jerome Powell’s final session as Fed Chair, as his term concludes next month, and Trump has already nominated Kevin Warsh as his successor.
Other central banks, including the European Central Bank, Bank of Japan, and Bank of England, are also set to announce their interest rate decisions this week.
In global markets, European indexes fell following a strong close in Asia, where South Korea’s Kospi soared by 2.2% and Japan’s Nikkei 225 increased by 1.4%.
