U.S. stocks fell sharply on Thursday, with the Nasdaq Composite dropping 2.15% and the S&P 500 losing 1.24%, as investors reacted to weak second-quarter signals from major technology firms and surging oil prices. Alphabet shares slid after the company lifted its annual capital spending forecast to as much as $205 billion and reported negative free cash flow for the first time as a public company. Tesla plunged 14.5% following its own negative free cash flow. At the same time, Brent crude rose above $100 a barrel amid escalating Middle East tensions, heightening inflation concerns before the Federal Reserve’s July 29 policy meeting.

Prepared by Christopher Adams and reviewed by editorial team.