U.S. stocks edged lower as investors navigated a mix of rising oil prices, corporate earnings signals, and shifting expectations around Federal Reserve policy. The Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq all turned down after early gains, reflecting a market grappling with geopolitical tensions and inflation concerns. Indexes Pull Back All three major indexes slipped roughly between 0.3% and 0.6%, giving back some of the previous session’s momentum. The downturn followed renewed volatility in energy markets and cautious sentiment around consumer spending. Oil Prices Add Fresh Pressure Crude prices extended their sharp rally, driven by heightened worries over a potential U.S.–Iran conflict. Brent crude climbed above $71 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate hovered near $66 — its biggest daily jump since October. Rising energy costs revived inflation concerns and weighed on equities. Walmart Earnings in Focus Walmart posted stronger‑than‑expected results, but its cautious pro...
Wall Street Stumbles Amid Inflation and Tariff Concerns
Wall Street faced a sharp downturn as fresh U.S. economic data reignited fears of inflation and tariff impacts. The S&P 500 dropped 1.97%, closing at 5,580.94 points, while the Nasdaq fell 2.70% to 17,322.99 points, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 1.69% to 41,583.90 points.
The latest data revealed weaker-than-expected consumer spending in February, coupled with a significant rise in underlying prices—the highest in 13 months. Additionally, a University of Michigan survey highlighted soaring inflation expectations, reaching their highest levels in over two years.
These developments, combined with escalating tariff measures from the Trump administration, have heightened concerns about the economic outlook. Major tech stocks, including Amazon, Microsoft, and Apple, saw significant losses, reflecting broader market unease.
Market analysts warn that the inflationary effects of tariffs may intensify in the coming months, further complicating the Federal Reserve's monetary policy decisions. As uncertainty looms, businesses and investors are adopting a cautious stance, bracing for potential economic turbulence.
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