Dow and S&P 500 close lower as retail inflation aligns with expectations and geopolitical risks weigh on sentiment.
US equities ended Wednesday in negative territory, with the Dow shedding 1.8% and the S&P 500 declining as retail inflation data met forecasts. Investors also monitored escalating tensions in the Middle East, which added to market uncertainty.
The sell-off followed a session where inflation figures reinforced expectations of steady price pressures, offering little clarity on the Federal Reserve’s next moves. Earlier in the week, markets had shown resilience amid mixed economic signals, but Wednesday’s losses reflected broader caution.
After-hours trading spotlighted stocks including ORCL, HUMA, and ORGN as traders assessed earnings and sector-specific developments.