Turkey Steps Up Regional Defenses With Planned Missile Deployment to Cyprus

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 profit outlook signaled ongoing pressure on U.S. consumers. The mixed message contributed to broader uncertainty in the retail and consumer sectors, even as the stock initially rose on the earnings beat. 

Rate‑Cut Bets Remain Unsettled

Investors continued to reassess the likelihood of Federal Reserve rate cuts. Inflation data, geopolitical tensions, and uneven corporate results have made the path forward less predictable, adding to market choppiness.