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US Stock Market Today [18 May, 2026]: Dow Falls, Nasdaq & S&P 500 Flat as Bond Yields Shake, Oil Surges $108 on US-Iran Deal; Gold & Silver Hit, Bitcoin Retreats $77k | What Investors Should Watch

US Stock Market Today [18 May, 2026]: Dow Falls, Nasdaq & S&P 500 Flat as Bond Yields Shake, Oil Surges $108 on US-Iran Deal; Gold & Silver Hit, Bitcoin Retreats $77k | What Investors Should Watch

U.S. Stock Market Today: Wall Street entered the week balancing optimism against mounting geopolitical and economic uncertainty after the S&P 500 and NASDAQ Composite reached record highs last week, investors turned cautious as oil prices, Treasury yields and Middle East tensions reshaped trading sentiment.

Markets fluctuated sharply Monday after comments from Donald Trump regarding Iran and the Strait of Hormuz intensified concerns over global energy supply disruptions as despite volatility, traders continued searching for signals around interest rates, oil stability and diplomatic negotiations between Washington and Tehran.

U.S. Market Snapshot

IndexLatest LevelChangeChange %
Dow Jones Industrial Average49,622.43+96.26+0.19%
NASDAQ Composite26,083.95-141.19-0.54%
S&P 5007,393.67-14.83-0.20%
New York Stock ExchangeMixedVolatileModerate

Dow Jones

The Dow Jones showed relative resilience compared to broader technology stocks while financial and industrial shares helped the index remain positive during intraday swings.

  • Opened over 500 points higher
  • Later settled near +0.19%
  • Briefly crossed 49,500 during trading

Nasdaq

The Nasdaq remained under pressure as rising Treasury yields weighed heavily on technology companies.

  • Down 0.54%
  • Nasdaq-100 lost 1.5% Friday
  • Nvidia fell nearly 2%

S&P 500

The S&P 500 traded close to flat despite opening more than 1% higher earlier in the session.

  • Intraday High: 7,408.50
  • Current Level: 7,393.67
  • Daily Loss: 14.83 points

NYSE

Trading on the New York Stock Exchange remained volatile as investors rotated between defensive and growth sectors while communication Services and Financials led gains, while Energy and Technology stocks underperformed.

What is happening in the US stock market today after Trump's Iran speech?

Markets reacted sharply after Trump warned Iran to "get moving" during stalled negotiations. Investors feared a prolonged geopolitical standoff could disrupt oil shipping routes and reignite inflation pressures while the speech initially boosted oil prices while pressuring equities and technology stocks.

US Stocks Slip at Open as US-Iran Impasse Lifts Oil Price

Stocks weakened shortly after opening as Brent crude crossed $111 per barrel during early trading.

  • Higher oil prices increased inflation concerns
  • Bond yields rose globally
  • Investors shifted toward safer assets

Trump-Xi Agree Strait of Hormuz Must Stay Open

Reports suggesting global leaders supported keeping the Strait of Hormuz operational briefly improved investor confidence around 20% of global oil supply moves through the Strait, making it one of the world's most critical energy chokepoints. Diplomatic tensions remained unresolved after Trump reportedly rejected Tehran's latest proposal regarding sanctions and nuclear restrictions while iran defended its conditions while warning against further economic pressure.

U.S. Dollar & Treasury Yields Rise as Safe-Haven Demand Increases

Safe-haven demand pushed Treasury yields higher as investors sought stability.

  • 30-Year Treasury Yield hit highest level in nearly a year
  • U.S. Dollar Index gained strength earlier in the session
  • UK Gilt yields reached levels last seen in the late 1990s

Oil drops below $110 as US-Iran tensions & Hormuz blockade fears rattle markets

Oil prices turned volatile after traders assessed the likelihood of supply disruptions.

  • Brent Crude: $107.72
  • WTI Crude: $99.35
  • Brent earlier touched $111.34

Oil prices plunge as hope rises for a U.S.-Iran war resolution

Oil prices plunged sharply as hopes for a diplomatic breakthrough between the US and Iran eased fears of supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude dropped near $107 while WTI slipped below $100 after reports suggested renewed negotiations could prevent a wider regional conflict and stabilize global energy markets.

How Did Oil Prices Crash & Boost the US Stock Market Today?

  • Brent crude fell from nearly $111.34 to around $107.72 per barrel as hopes for renewed U.S.-Iran negotiations reduced fears of supply disruption.
  • WTI crude dropped from $107.71 to below $100, easing inflation concerns across financial markets.
  • Lower oil prices improved investor confidence because cheaper energy can reduce pressure on businesses and consumers.
  • The Dow Jones Industrial Average turned positive, gaining nearly 96 points (+0.19%) during trading.
  • The S&P 500 recovered after earlier losses and traded near the flatline around 7,393 points.
  • Investors believe softer oil prices could eventually support future Federal Reserve rate cuts and stabilize global growth expectations.

Gold & Silver Prices

Precious metals remained volatile as traders monitored both inflation data and geopolitical headlines.

  • Gold Price: $4,546.75
  • Daily Gain: +0.19%
  • Weekly Loss Last Week: 3.7%
  • Silver Price: $76.52
  • Daily Gain: +0.75%

Bitcoin & Crypto Stocks Shoot Higher

Bitcoin remained volatile despite broader market uncertainty.

  • Current Price: $76,479.97
  • Daily Loss: -2.33%
  • Day High: $78,454.01
  • Day Low: $76,190.19

Crypto-related stocks saw mixed movement as investors balanced risk appetite against higher bond yields. Copper prices climbed to a three-month high as supply disruptions outweighed slowing manufacturing concerns while industrial metals gained support from tighter global inventories and stronger infrastructure demand forecasts.

What investors should watch next in the US stock market

  • Federal Reserve interest rate signals
  • Brent crude movement above or below $100
  • Treasury yield volatility
  • US-Iran diplomatic developments
  • Nvidia earnings results
  • Inflation and retail sales data
  • Strength of the U.S. Dollar
  • Global energy supply disruptions

Top Gainers Today

Dow Jones

  • Salesforce +3.22%
  • 3M +3.10%
  • McDonald's +1.80%

Nasdaq

  • Netflix +2.33%
  • Intuit +2.26%

S&P 500

  • Dominion Energy +9.51%
  • ServiceNow +6.40%

Top Losers Today

Dow Jones

  • Caterpillar -2.53%
  • UnitedHealth Group -2.20%

Nasdaq

  • Regeneron Pharmaceuticals -11.04%
  • Tesla -2.54%

S&P 500

  • Oracle -3.75%
  • United Parcel Service -3.75%

FAQ's

1. Why did the US stock market turn volatile today?

Rising oil prices, Treasury yields and Middle East tensions triggered uncertainty among investors.

2. Why are oil prices affecting stocks?

Higher oil prices can increase inflation and reduce expectations for interest rate cuts.

3. Why did technology stocks fall?

Rising bond yields tend to pressure growth and technology shares by increasing borrowing costs.

4. What is the Strait of Hormuz?

It is a critical global shipping route through which nearly 20% of the world's oil supply passes.

5. What are investors watching most closely now?

Markets are focused on Fed policy, Iran negotiations, oil prices and upcoming corporate earnings.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The Sunday Guardian suggests that readers consult with a certified financial advisor before making any investment or money-related decisions. The stock market involves significant risk.

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Disclaimer: This content has not been generated, created or edited by Dailyhunt. Publisher: The Sunday Guardian