Stocks Fall as Treasury Yields Soar to 5% Amid Inflation Fears

Markets wrapped up a busy week on September 17-18, 2026, as stocks fell due to rising Treasury yields. The 10-year Treasury yield hit 5% on speculation that elevated energy costs could fuel inflation and prompt further Federal Reserve rate hikes.

Traders faced the expiration of a large number of options, which can lead to sudden price swings. Over 350 companies in the S&P 500 retreated as a result.

In contrast, Bitcoin rose above $80,000 on September 18, 2026. Meanwhile, the yen pared its drop after a report that the Bank of Japan had conducted a rate check in the foreign-exchange market.