BUSINESS

Global markets slide as US-Iran strikes roil oil

PUBLISHED Jul 18, 2026, 10:45 PM ET

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Global financial markets fell sharply as renewed hostilities between the United States and Iran sent oil prices surging and raised fears of a wider Middle East conflict. On Friday, Brent crude climbed more than four percent to nearly $90 per barrel, after trading below $75 just a day earlier, pushing benchmark prices to multi-month highs above $87. U.S. equities retreated, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average down 0.77%, the S&P 500 off 1.01%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq losing 1.40%, while semiconductor shares posted their steepest weekly loss in over a year. Energy stocks were the only major S&P sector to advance.

By Sarah Whitman | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Earlier this month Interim ceasefire in region collapses
Three weeks ago Hostilities between US, Iran resume
Yesterday No tankers transit Strait of Hormuz
Yesterday Brent crude rebounds from below $75
Today Oil hits multi-month highs above $87
Today US indices fall, tech shares lead losses
Today Philadelphia semiconductor index posts steep weekly loss
Today Analysts warn oil could top $100

News Intelligence

The US-Iran conflict is shaking global markets. Oil prices are surging, hitting your wallet at the gas pump. Stocks are dipping, potentially impacting your retirement or investment accounts. If you're invested in tech or semiconductors, you might be feeling the pinch more.