STOCKS | Wall Street Retreats Amid Middle East Tensions and Rising Oil Prices

Wall Street stocks declined on Wednesday as escalating tensions in the Middle East and rising crude oil prices heightened inflation concerns, prompting investors to take profits. All three major U.S. stock indexes ended in negative territory, with financials and tech sectors leading the decline, according to RTHK. The small-cap Russell 2000 underperformed its larger-cap counterparts, while chip stocks gained 1.4%, reflecting ongoing interest in artificial intelligence. Despite this, six of the Magnificent Seven AI-related megacaps fell, with Meta Platforms being the sole gainer, rising 4.2%. Middle East hostilities intensified as the U.S. and Iran exchanged air strikes, challenging a fragile ceasefire. Rising oil prices added to fears of systemic inflation. Bill Northey, senior investment director at U.S. Bank Wealth Management, noted the market's struggle between positive U.S. economic fundamentals and concerns over the Middle East conflict's impact on inflation. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz is seen as a key factor influencing inflation expectations. Financial markets are now pricing in a 41.1% chance of a rate hike at the U.S. Federal Reserve's December meeting, up from 9.1% a month ago, according to CME's FedWatch tool. New York Fed President John Williams reiterated that the central bank's monetary policy remains appropriate despite inflation risks. Economic data indicated a stable labor market and expanding services sector, though input prices remained high and corporate spending plans were subdued amid rising energy costs and geopolitical uncertainties. The Fed's Beige Book reported increased economic activity and stable employment, but highlighted the widespread impact of higher energy prices due to the conflict. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 620 points, or 1.2%, to 50,687. The S&P 500 lost 56 points, or 0.7%, to 7,553, and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 239 points, or 0.9%, to 26,853. GameStop surged 6% after reporting a rise in quarterly revenue and announcing a $2 billion share buyback program. Meanwhile, SpaceX plans to price its IPO at $135 a share to raise $75 billion, according to a source familiar with the matter.