US Stock Market Today [29 April, 2026]: Dow Falls, Nasdaq & S&P 500 Edge Lower as Oil Surges $114 on US-Iran Tensions; Gold & Silver Climb, Bitcoin Retreats Above $77k | What Investors Should Watch

U.S. Stock Market Today: Dow falls -0.39% points, S&P (0.06%) and Nasdaq (0.20%) after Trump’s Iran speech, tech stocks sank and Brent crude oil climbs Near $114.5 per barrel. Gold and silver attempt recovery from lows, while Bitcoin Surges above $77. What investors should watch next.

By: Amreen Ahmad
Last Updated: April 29, 2026 20:37:43 IST

U.S. Stock Market Today: US stocks ended mixed as the S&P 500 stayed flat at 7,142.73 while oil surged above $112 on Iran-related tensions as the Dow fell 0.39% to 48,952.04, while the Nasdaq gained 0.20% to 24,713.28. Visa and Intel led gainers with strong earnings-driven rallies, while biotech and software stocks weighed on sentiment. Brent crude rose above $116 per barrel, intensifying inflation concerns and lifting Treasury yields to 4.38% and gold dropped 1.22% to $4,538.65, while Bitcoin edged higher to $76,544.

Investors now await the Federal Reserve decision and Big Tech earnings from Alphabet, Amazon, Meta and Microsoft. Market sentiment remains cautious as geopolitical risks, inflation pressures and earnings uncertainty continue to shape short-term direction across global equities and commodities.

U.S. Market Snapshot 

Index Level Change % Change
Dow Jones 48,952.04 -189.89 -0.39%
Nasdaq 24,713.28 +49.48 +0.20%
S&P 500 7,142.73 +4.18 +0.06%

Dow Jones

The Dow declined to 48,952.04 as Boeing (-2.86%), Home Depot (-2.66%) and Honeywell (-1.93%) dragged the index lower. Gains in Visa (+9.50%), Intel (+8.30%) and Chevron (+0.89%) partially offset losses, but overall sentiment remained weak.

Nasdaq

The Nasdaq closed at 24,713.28, up 49.48 points and Intel (+8.73%), Starbucks (+8.18%) and T-Mobile (+5.92%) led gains however, losses in Regeneron (-6.41%), Charter (-4.02%) and Intuit (-2.33%) limited upside momentum in tech-heavy trading.

S&P 500

The S&P 500 finished at 7,142.73, gaining only 4.18 points as strong performance from Visa (+9.46%), Intel (+8.73%) and Starbucks (+8.18%) was offset by declines in Regeneron (-6.41%), Lowe’s (-3.13%) and ServiceNow (-3.13%).

NYSE

NYSE-listed equities reflected defensive positioning and energy stocks gained on crude strength, while consumer discretionary and industrials remained under pressure. Trading volumes stayed moderate as investors awaited Fed signals and Big Tech earnings clarity.

US Stock Market Reaction to Iran Speech

Markets reacted sharply to geopolitical headlines tied to Iran, triggering volatility and oil surged over 4%, while equities fluctuated. Investors shifted toward safe-haven assets amid fears of supply disruptions in the Middle East energy corridor.

Ceasefire Hopes and Market Rally

Earlier in the session, optimism over potential diplomatic easing supported equities and the Dow briefly gained before reversing. The rally faded as oil prices climbed above $112, reintroducing inflation concerns into equity pricing models.

Nasdaq Sinks on Tech Pressure

The Nasdaq Composite slipped about 0.8% to 1.2% as technology stocks came under pressure. Weakness in chipmakers and AI-linked firms weighed heavily with semiconductor stocks leading losses. Concerns over slower AI revenue growth and higher interest rates added to selling pressure while some names like Intel and Starbucks gained, overall sentiment in tech remained cautious ahead of Fed policy and key earnings.

Dollar & Treasury Yields Rise

The US Dollar Index rose 0.2%, while the 10-year Treasury yield climbed to 4.38% and safe-haven demand increased as investors anticipated prolonged inflation risks driven by rising crude oil prices.

S&P 500 Flat Ahead of Fed Decision

The S&P 500 ended nearly unchanged, rising just 0.06% to 7,142.73, as investors stayed on the sidelines ahead of the Federal Reserve policy announcement. Trading was subdued with narrow gains in energy and financials offset by weakness in healthcare and consumer stocks. Market participants focused on inflation risks from rising oil and awaited guidance on future rate cuts and economic outlook.

Oil Jumps Above $112

Oil prices surged sharply, with Brent crude trading around $114.5 per barrel and WTI near $103.8 per barrel, as geopolitical tensions linked to Iran raised supply disruption fears. Prices jumped roughly 3%–4% in a single session, extending recent gains. The rally reflects concerns over potential blockades in key shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz and higher crude levels are intensifying inflation worries and adding pressure on global equity markets.

Oil & Military Risk

Oil markets surged as geopolitical and military tensions linked to Iran escalated, raising fears of supply disruption through key shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude climbed to around $114–$115 per barrel, while WTI hovered near $104, gaining over 3%–4% in a session. Heightened military positioning and blockade risks added a strong risk premium, keeping energy prices elevated.

Oil Impact on Stocks

Oil prices surged above $112 per barrel for Brent crude and hovered around $103–$105 for WTI, rising nearly 4% in a single session. This spike immediately pressured equities, especially transport, airlines and industrial stocks due to higher fuel costs. At the same time, energy stocks like Chevron gained modestly, showing clear sector rotation as inflation fears returned to global markets.

Gold and Silver Prices

Gold declined 1.22% to $4,538.65, down $55.86, as risk appetite shifted while silver fell 1.76% to $71.79 per ounce. Stronger dollar and higher yields weighed on precious metals despite geopolitical uncertainty.

Gold USD Key Stats 

  • Open: 4,592.52
  • Prev Close: 4,594.51

Silver USD Key Stats 

  • Open: 73.0325
  • Prev Close: 73.08

Gold Under Fed Pressure

Gold came under pressure ahead of the Federal Reserve decision, falling about 1.2% to 1.8% in recent trade with prices near $4,538 per ounce after slipping from intraday highs above $4,590. Stronger US dollar and rising Treasury yields near 4.38% on the 10 year note reduced safe-haven demand. Traders also trimmed positions as expectations of steady interest rates kept real yields elevated, limiting gold’s short-term upside despite ongoing geopolitical risks.

Bitcoin & Crypto Stocks

Bitcoin rose 0.41% to $76,544, gaining $313.43 and crypto markets remained supported by risk-on sentiment, though volatility persisted due to macroeconomic uncertainty and shifting liquidity expectations.

KEY STATS

  • Open: 76,321.72
  • Day High: 77,895.45
  • Day Low: 76,166.58
  • Prev Close: 76,230.57

What Investors Should Watch

  • Fed policy decision and Powell commentary
  • Brent crude movement above $110–$116 range
  • Big Tech earnings from Alphabet, Amazon, Meta, Microsoft
  • US-Iran geopolitical developments
  • Treasury yield direction near 4.3%–4.4%
  • Inflation signals from energy markets

Top Gainers Today

  • Visa: +9.50% (Dow), +9.46% (S&P 500)
  • Intel: +8.30% (Dow), +8.73% (Nasdaq)
  • Starbucks: +8.18% (Nasdaq, S&P 500)
  • T-Mobile: +5.92% (Nasdaq, S&P 500)
  • ADP: +5.60% (Nasdaq, S&P 500)

Top Losers Today

  • Regeneron: -6.41% (Nasdaq, S&P 500)
  • Charter Communications: -4.02% (Nasdaq)
  • Intuitive Surgical: -3.15% (Nasdaq, S&P 500)
  • Lowe’s: -3.13% (S&P 500)
  • ServiceNow: -3.13% (S&P 500)

FAQ’s: US Stock Market Today 

1. Why is the S&P 500 flat today?

The index stayed near flat at 7,142.73 as gains in energy were offset by losses in healthcare and consumer stocks ahead of the Fed decision.

2. What is driving oil prices higher?

Oil jumped above $112 due to Iran-related tensions and fears of supply disruption through key Middle East shipping routes.

3. How did the Nasdaq perform?

The Nasdaq rose slightly to 24,713.28, gaining 0.20%, supported by select tech stocks like Intel despite weakness in chips.

4. Why is gold falling?

Gold dropped about 1.2% to near $4,538 per ounce due to a stronger US dollar and rising Treasury yields.

5. What are investors focused on now?

Markets are watching the Federal Reserve decision, Big Tech earnings, oil volatility and inflation signals closely.

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.

Most Popular

The Sunday Guardian is India’s fastest
growing News channel and enjoy highest
viewership and highest time spent amongst
educated urban Indians.

The Sunday Guardian is India’s fastest growing News channel and enjoy highest viewership and highest time spent amongst educated urban Indians.

© Copyright ITV Network Ltd 2025. All right reserved.