Stock market today: Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq slip as oil prices continue rally amid Iran-US tensions

February 19, 2026 - 23:54

U.S. stock markets opened lower on Monday, extending recent losses as a surge in oil prices and heightened Middle East tensions overshadowed corporate earnings reports. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500, and Nasdaq Composite all slipped in early trading, reflecting investor caution.

The primary driver of the market's anxiety is a continued rally in crude oil prices, fueled by escalating geopolitical friction between Iran and the United States. This rise threatens to reignite inflationary pressures, complicating the Federal Reserve's policy path and increasing costs for businesses and consumers alike. The energy market's volatility is casting a long shadow over trading floors, diverting attention from company fundamentals.

This downturn coincides with the tail end of a challenging first-quarter earnings season, where companies have faced intense scrutiny over their profit margins and future guidance. The market's fragile sentiment is also being tested by political commentary aimed at financial institutions, adding another layer of uncertainty for investors navigating an already complex landscape. Analysts suggest the confluence of these factors may lead to sustained volatility as the market searches for a clear directional catalyst, with all eyes on economic data and geopolitical developments in the days ahead.