Nasdaq Volatility: Oil Prices, Inflation Data, and Fed Rate Outlook in Focus

The Nasdaq Composite index opened higher on September 8, rising 0.18% to 26,851 as investors assessed the Federal Reserve's interest-rate outlook and upcoming U.S. inflation data.

Rising oil prices and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East added pressure to the market, with Brent crude approaching $100 per barrel and U.S. crude climbing sharply.

The Fed's next policy decision remains a major catalyst for U.S. equities, with investors pricing a 58.4% probability of a rate hike this month.

A decline in inflation could support the case for less restrictive Fed policy, while persistent inflation combined with oil prices near $100 could increase expectations for tighter monetary policy.