U.S. Stock Market Today: Wall Street lost momentum on Friday as investors reacted to rising geopolitical tensions, elevated oil prices and renewed fears over inflation while markets that had recently surged on enthusiasm surrounding artificial intelligence and mega-cap technology stocks suddenly turned cautious after US President Donald Trump signaled a tougher stance on Iran following his summit with Xi Jinping.
Technology stocks led the decline, Treasury yields climbed to yearly highs and oil prices swung sharply as traders monitored the possibility of disruption around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy routes.
U.S. Market Snapshot
| Index | Latest Level | Change | Change % |
| Dow Jones | 49,681.35 | -380.11 | -0.76% |
| Nasdaq | 26,297.89 | -337.33 | -1.27% |
| S&P 500 | 7,435.27 | -65.72 | -0.88% |
| NYSE Composite | Weak | Broad selling pressure | Negative |
Dow Jones
The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped more than 380 points as industrial and manufacturing stocks came under pressure. Boeing extended losses after investors were disappointed by the scale of aircraft agreements announced during the Trump-Xi summit while defensive buying in Chevron and Visa offered limited support, but overall sentiment remained cautious.
Nasdaq
The Nasdaq witnessed the sharpest decline among major indices, dropping over 1.2%. Semiconductor stocks faced heavy profit-booking after a massive AI-driven rally over recent weeks. Intel plunged nearly 7%, while Nvidia, AMD and Micron Technology also traded sharply lower while analysts warned that valuations in the AI sector had become stretched, leaving stocks vulnerable to corrections.
S&P 500
The S&P 500 retreated below the 7,500 mark after briefly touching record territory earlier this week. Technology and communication services dragged the benchmark lower, although selective gains in Microsoft and software companies helped limit deeper losses while the broader concern on Wall Street remains market concentration, with a handful of tech giants driving most gains in 2026.
NYSE
The New York Stock Exchange reflected a broader risk-off mood as investors shifted toward safer assets while rising bond yields and geopolitical uncertainty triggered selling across cyclical sectors including manufacturing, transport and consumer discretionary stocks.
What is happening in the US stock market today after Trump’s Iran speech?
Markets reacted negatively after Trump rejected a proposed framework aimed at easing tensions with Iran as investors feared the conflict could intensify disruptions around Middle Eastern shipping routes and push oil prices even higher. The comments also strengthened concerns that inflation could remain elevated for longer and reducing the possibility of aggressive Federal Reserve rate cuts this year.
US stocks slip at open as US-Iran impasse lifts oil price
Wall Street opened lower after Brent crude climbed near $109 per barrel and US West Texas Intermediate crossed $104. Higher energy costs revived fears of inflation-driven economic slowdown while technology shares, which are highly sensitive to interest rates, saw aggressive selling pressure during early trading hours.
Trump–Xi Agree Strait of Hormuz Must Stay Open
Despite broader geopolitical disagreements, Trump and Xi reportedly agreed that the Strait of Hormuz must remain operational for global trade stability and roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply moves through the narrow shipping corridor, making any disruption a major risk for global markets.
Trump Rejects Iran Peace Proposal
Diplomatic efforts failed to produce a breakthrough after Trump dismissed parts of Iran’s proposed peace conditions while tehran defended its position and warned against external pressure. The lack of progress increased fears that shipping attacks and energy disruptions could continue across the Gulf region.
U.S. Dollar and Treasury Yields Rise as Safe-Haven Demand Increases
The US dollar strengthened sharply as investors moved toward safer assets. Treasury yields also surged:
- 10-year Treasury yield rose to 4.54%
- 30-year yield crossed 5.1%
- Highest levels recorded since 2025
Higher yields increase borrowing costs and typically pressure high-growth technology stocks.
Oil drops below $110 as US-Iran tensions & Hormuz blockade fears rattle markets
Oil prices slipped below the $110-per-barrel mark after extreme volatility linked to escalating US-Iran tensions and fears of disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a route that carries nearly 20% of global crude supply. Brent crude traded near $108, while WTI hovered around $104 after earlier spikes while markets briefly stabilised as hopes of diplomatic engagement resurfaced, easing immediate supply concerns and reducing panic buying across energy markets.
Oil prices plunge as hope rises for a U.S.-Iran war resolution
Oil prices fell sharply as optimism grew around a possible diplomatic breakthrough between the United States and Iran. Brent crude dropped below $100 per barrel, while WTI slipped nearly 6% after reports suggested progress in talks over reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Easing fears of supply disruption reduced panic buying across energy markets and improved broader investor sentiment globally.
How Did Oil Prices Crash & Boost the US Stock Market Today?
- Oil prices dropped after hopes emerged for a possible US-Iran diplomatic breakthrough
- Brent crude slipped below $100 per barrel after recent spikes above $109
- Traders reduced fears of supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz
- Falling oil eased inflation concerns across global markets
- Lower inflation expectations improved sentiment for technology and growth stocks
- Investors returned to equities as pressure on Treasury yields softened
- Nasdaq and S&P 500 recovered part of their earlier losses during trading sessions
Gold & Silver Prices
Precious metals remained volatile throughout the session:
- Gold climbed above 3% intraday
- Spot gold traded near $4,564 per ounce
- Silver prices fluctuated amid industrial demand concerns
- Safe-haven buying supported bullion markets
Gold and silver prices witnessed heavy selling pressure on May 15 as rising US Treasury yields, a stronger dollar and elevated oil prices weakened bullion sentiment globally while spot gold dropped nearly 2% to around $4,558 per ounce, marking its fourth straight session of decline. On MCX, July silver futures plunged Rs 16,199, or 5.56%, to Rs 2,74,903 per kg, while September and December contracts also fell over 4%. Analysts said higher US yields above 4.5% and weaker Indian demand continued pressuring precious metals markets.
Bitcoin & Crypto Stocks Shoot Higher
Cryptocurrency markets outperformed traditional assets during the session:
- Bitcoin extended gains above key resistance levels
- Crypto-related stocks witnessed renewed buying
- Investors shifted toward alternative assets amid bond market volatility
The rebound reflected growing appetite for speculative and decentralized assets during periods of macroeconomic instability.
| Key Stats | Value |
| Open | 81,454.40 |
| Day High | 81,646.67 |
| Day Low | 78,612.00 |
| Previous Close | 81,457.16 |
Copper hits 3-month high as supply concerns outweigh demand worries
Copper prices climbed to a three-month high as tightening global supply overshadowed concerns about slowing industrial demand while benchmark copper futures rose above $5.35 per pound, supported by falling inventories and disruptions at key mining operations. Analysts said resilient infrastructure demand and supply shortages continued driving bullish momentum despite broader economic uncertainty in China and global manufacturing markets.
What Investors Should Watch Next in the US Stock Market
- Federal Reserve commentary on inflation and interest rates
- Developments in US-Iran diplomatic negotiations
- Crude oil price movement near Hormuz
- Treasury yield fluctuations
- AI sector earnings momentum
- US economic growth data
- Corporate guidance from mega-cap technology firms
Top Gainers Today
Dow Jones
- Microsoft +3.91%
- Salesforce +3.62%
- Visa +1.83%
Nasdaq
- Intuit +4.29%
- Microsoft +4.05%
- Adobe +3.62%
S&P 500
- ServiceNow +4.96%
- Intuit +4.29%
- Microsoft +4.05%
Top Losers Today
Dow Jones
- Intel -6.86%
- Caterpillar -4.23%
- Nvidia -4.02%
Nasdaq
- Intel -6.70%
- Micron Technology -5.49%
- ASML -4.99%
S&P 500
- Intel -6.70%
- Micron Technology -5.49%
- Lam Research -5.22%
FAQ’s
1. Why did US markets fall today?
Markets declined because rising oil prices, geopolitical tensions and higher Treasury yields increased inflation concerns.
2. Why are technology stocks under pressure?
Higher bond yields reduce the appeal of high-growth tech companies, especially after a strong AI-driven rally.
3. How did oil prices impact Wall Street?
Rising crude prices increased fears of inflation and slower economic growth, leading investors to reduce risk exposure.
4. Why is the Strait of Hormuz important?
The route handles nearly 20% of global oil shipments, making it critical for energy markets worldwide.
5. Why did Bitcoin rise while stocks fell?
Some investors shifted toward crypto assets as an alternative hedge during geopolitical and financial uncertainty.
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.
