Iran Conflict Fuels Oil Price Spike, Boosting Inflation Fears
US stocks opened lower on Monday as renewed military clashes between the US and Iran pushed oil prices higher, adding to concerns about inflation. The developments also increased uncertainty around the Federal Reserve's interest-rate path ahead of its September meeting.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 346 points, while the S&P 500 was almost unchanged and the Nasdaq Composite declined 0.52%. Energy stocks benefited from the move in crude prices, with Halliburton and Valero Energy rising 3.04% and 1.84%, respectively.
The surge in oil prices could add to inflation concerns at a time when investors are already focused on the Federal Reserve's next policy decision. Markets have increased expectations for a September rate hike after Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh indicated that the Fed could raise borrowing costs if inflation does not move toward its 2% target.
CME FedWatch data showed traders pricing in nearly a 60% chance of a September rate increase, up from 41.4% a week earlier. The outlook has become more uncertain following mixed inflation data.