LIVE | Dow Jones, Nasdaq, US Stock Market Today: Check Latest Move in Futures, Nasdaq Slips 0.60% as Oil Surges Ahead of CPI, Fed Rate Bets Shift Amid Trump-Iran Tensions | Why Are Stocks Down Today

US stocks slip as oil stays elevated, Nasdaq falls 0.60% and investors await US inflation data amid shifting Fed rate bets and Hormuz uncertainty.

By: Amreen Ahmad
Last Updated: August 12, 2026 01:29:38 IST

Dow Jones, Nasdaq, US Stock Market Today: US stocks are looking at a conservative trading session ahead amid mixed sentiment on growing oil prices, changing rate outlook for the Fed and uncertainly on the situation between the US and Iran. The latest market picture suggests that the Dow Jones is trading at 53,807.11, having lost 168.87 points or 0.31% and the Nasdaq Composite has fallen 0.60% to 26,444.72. The S&P 500 index has decreased by 0.30% to 7,730.00. The losses have followed a decent performance on Tuesday, when the leading averages traded near all-time highs. Market participants are now waiting for inflation readings, with the Consumer Price Index for July set to be released tomorrow, while the Producer Price Index is on tap for Thursday.

US Stock Market Today Live: Market Snapshot

Index Current Change Change %
Dow Jones 53,807.11 -168.87 -0.31%
Nasdaq 26,444.72 -160.64 -0.60%
S&P 500 7,730.00 -23.11 -0.30%
Nasdaq 100 29,603 -19 -0.07%
Russell 2000 3,035.31 +17.91 +0.59%
VIX 15.39 -0.07 -0.07%

The technology-heavy Nasdaq is showing the sharpest decline among the three major benchmarks, reflecting renewed sensitivity toward expensive growth stocks and interest-rate expectations.

US Stock Market Today: Key Market Indicators

Indicator Latest Change Change %
Crude Oil $82.23 +0.10 +0.12%
Brent Crude $87.75 +0.03 +0.04%
Gold $4,384.70 -6.64 -0.15%
DXY 99.83 +0.02 +0.02%
US 10-Year Yield 4.690% -0.03 -0.57%
Yen 159.253 -0.04 -0.02%
Euro 1.154 -0.00 -0.03%

The numbers show a market caught between inflationary pressure from energy and lower Treasury yields while that combination is making the Federal Reserve’s next move harder for investors to price.

Stock Market Today: Global Market

Market Latest Change Change %
FTSE 100 10,857.81 -4.69 -0.04%
CAC 40 8,742.30 +16.27 +0.19%
DAX 26,471.00 +147.12 +0.56%
Nikkei 225 66,970.22 +1,363.51 +2.08%
Straits Times 5,754.17 +55.74 +0.98%
Hang Seng 25,652.82 -284.67 -1.10%
KOSPI 6,345.53 +45.87 +0.73%

Global markets remain uneven. Japan’s Nikkei posted a strong 2.08% gain, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng declined 1.10% while european benchmarks were comparatively steady.

What Is Happening in the US Stock Market Today?

There are conflicting signs coming from Wall Street and the price of oil is high due to the uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, while markets are looking forward to an important inflation report. Nvidia has helped lift the tech stocks since the company announced its cooperation with six prominent asset management companies in order to raise more than $500 billion for artificial intelligence infrastructure however, the overall market has turned more defensive. Alphabet stock fell by 1.94%, Amazon by 1.26% and Nike by 2.11% on the provided market data. In addition, Caterpillar rose by 2.81%, while Meta rose by 2.44%.

Why Is US Stock Market Down Today?

The first and foremost short-term concern comes in the form of the oil, inflation and interest-rate uncertainties. Owing to crude prices in the neighbourhood of $82 per barrel for WTI and close to $88 for Brent, fears of rising oil prices leading to lower growth in the battle against inflation by the Fed have resurfaced.

Should consumer prices be sticky, easy monetary policy expectations might be adversely affected. At the same time, geopolitical risks continue to be digested with a negative development in the Strait of Hormuz can spark another oil price shock.

US Stock Market Today: US Natgas Futures Ease on Lower LNG Flows and Weaker Demand Forecast

Futures contracts for US natural gas are under pressure amid reduced flows of liquefied natural gas and decreased demand forecasts. The move is important for investors since natural gas continues to be connected to the process of electricity production, industry and profitability of energy companies. Reduced demand expectations might decrease some cost pressure in the energy market, but the main inflation concern is crude oil.

US Stock Market Today: Oil Prices Hold Near One-Week High as Hormuz Talks Advance

The price of crude oil still seems to hover near their one-week high in the context of investor monitoring of developments concerning the Strait of Hormuz. The price of West Texas Intermediate was hovering near $82.23, and that of Brent near $87.75, according to the information provided. This reflects the market’s attempts to discern whether the developments could mean that there will be a more stable reopening of the crucial channel. It thus shows how oil can be high even amid signs of potential negotiations.

US Stock Market Today: Gold Gains as Markets Await Key US Inflation Data

Gold has stayed near record highs amid market concerns over economic and political uncertainty and the spot price of gold had last seen $4,434.84 per ounce, which was its highest since June 5, but had since slipped. The gold futures were quoted at $4,453.40, but the gold price from the key indicator table provided stood at $4,384.70 and the next big catalyst will be US inflation figures. If the figure comes lower, it may help sustain hopes of easy money but a higher print could take yield and dollar higher.

🟢 Market Open (Opening Bell)

Index Opening Level Change Change %
Dow Jones 54,065.02 +89.04 +0.16%
Nasdaq 26,607.28 +1.92 +0.01%
S&P 500 7,762.56 +9.70 +0.13%

The opening figures showed Wall Street initially attempting to absorb geopolitical and inflation concerns without a major sell-off. The later weakness indicates that investors remained unwilling to chase stocks aggressively ahead of CPI.

🔴 Market Close (Closing Bell)

Index Latest/Close Snapshot Change Change %
Dow Jones 53,807.11 -168.87 -0.31%
Nasdaq 26,444.72 -160.64 -0.60%
S&P 500 7,730.00 -23.11 -0.30%
Nasdaq 100 29,603 -19 -0.07%
Russell 2000 3,035.31 +17.91 +0.59%

The difference between the two makes evident the transformation in mood. The Nasdaq saw the biggest decline in terms of percentages and small companies in the US performed relatively better.

Wednesday Market Future Prediction

  • CPI will likely dominate trading: A softer than expected inflation reading could revive hopes for easier Fed policy.
  • Oil remains the biggest geopolitical risk: Any deterioration around Hormuz could pressure equities.
  • Nasdaq could remain volatile: High-growth technology stocks are particularly sensitive to bond yields.
  • S&P 500 may test recent highs: A benign inflation report could quickly bring buyers back.
  • Energy stocks could outperform: Sustained crude prices may continue supporting the sector.
  • Gold could remain firm: Geopolitical uncertainty and monetary policy expectations remain supportive.
  • Small caps need confirmation: Their recent relative strength will depend heavily on the path of interest rates.

US Stock Market Today: Top Gainers

Stock Price Change Change %
Caterpillar $861.08 +$23.50 +2.81%
Home Depot $356.84 +$6.06 +1.73%
IBM $239.00 +$2.69 +1.14%
Boeing $235.38 +$2.59 +1.11%
Nvidia $219.42 +$1.84 +0.85%

On the Nasdaq, ASML was among the strongest performers, rising 4.43%, followed by Lam Research at 2.83% and Meta at 2.44%.

US Stock Market Today: Top Losers

Stock Price Change Change %
Nike $41.22 -$0.89 -2.11%
Alphabet $350.60 -$6.92 -1.94%
P&G $144.09 -$2.35 -1.60%
Amazon $274.57 -$3.49 -1.26%
Johnson & Johnson $258.82 -$2.99 -1.14%

Among Nasdaq names, JD.com fell 4.75%, NetEase dropped 3.28% and Alphabet declined nearly 2%.

US Stock Market Today: What Investors Should Watch Next

  • July US CPI: This is the day’s most important economic release and could reshape Fed rate expectations.
  • Core inflation: Investors will look beyond the headline figure for evidence of persistent price pressure.
  • Oil around $80-$90: Another sustained jump in crude could complicate the inflation outlook.
  • US Treasury yields: A move higher could weigh on technology and other growth stocks.
  • Hormuz developments: Any concrete diplomatic breakthrough could reduce the oil-risk premium.
  • AI spending: Nvidia’s proposed $500 billion capital mobilisation remains an important theme for technology investors.
  • Corporate earnings: Guidance will matter as much as headline earnings while markets sit near elevated valuations.

FAQ’s: US Stock Market Today

Why is the US stock market down today?

Stocks are under pressure as investors assess higher oil prices, US-Iran uncertainty and the potential impact of upcoming inflation data on Federal Reserve policy.

Why is Nasdaq falling more than the Dow?

Technology and growth stocks are generally more sensitive to changes in interest-rate expectations, making the Nasdaq more vulnerable when inflation concerns rise.

What is the Dow Jones today?

The supplied latest snapshot puts the Dow Jones at 53,807.11 and down 0.31%.

What is the Nasdaq today?

The Nasdaq stands at 26,444.72 and down 0.60% in the supplied market data.

What is the S&P 500 today?

The S&P 500 is at 7,730.00 and down 0.30%.

Why are oil prices important for stocks?

Higher crude prices can increase transportation, manufacturing and consumer costs, potentially keeping inflation elevated and complicating the Fed’s policy decisions.

What should investors watch Wednesday?

The July CPI report is the key event. Its headline and core readings could influence Treasury yields, the dollar, equities and expectations for the Fed’s next policy move.

Disclaimer: Market figures can change rapidly. This article is for news and informational purposes only and should not be treated as investment advice.

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