Stock Market Today: Oil Down 1% as Investors Await Bessent’s Iran Sanctions Plan, U.S. stock index futures Open lower – Eurasia Business News
By William Collins, consultant in stock markets – Eurasia Business News, August 24, 2026. Article no 3115
U.S. stock index futures opened lower on Monday, August 24, as investors prepared for Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s plan to intensify economic pressure on Iran. Technology stocks led the decline, with Nasdaq futures falling 1.14%, compared with a 0.26% drop in S&P 500 futures and a 0.11% decline in Dow futures.
The cautious start followed a difficult week for Wall Street. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.8% last week, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite lost 1.4% and 2%, respectively, as rising Treasury yields pressured equity valuations.
Technology Stocks Under Pressure
The Nasdaq’s sharper decline reflects renewed pressure on high-growth technology stocks. Investors are concerned that elevated long-term interest rates could reduce the value of future corporate earnings, particularly for companies trading at high valuation multiples.
This week is especially important for the technology sector. Nvidia is scheduled to report earnings on Wednesday, followed by Marvell Technology on Thursday. Investors will focus on demand for artificial-intelligence chips, data-centre infrastructure and networking equipment, as well as management guidance for technology spending.
Nvidia’s results could influence the entire AI investment theme. Strong sales and an optimistic outlook may restore confidence after last week’s technology selloff, while weaker guidance could intensify concerns about slowing demand, stretched valuations and the cost of financing AI infrastructure.
Marvell’s earnings will provide an additional read-through on networking and custom-chip demand. Together, the two reports represent major tests for the semiconductor sector.
Oil Prices Decline Before Iran Announcement
Oil prices fell on Monday as traders took profits after a strong rally and awaited details of new U.S. sanctions against Iran. Brent crude traded near $93.21 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate stood around $85.66, with both contracts down more than 1%.
Brent had gained 6.6% last week as investors priced in the possibility of supply disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz. The strategic waterway remains central to global energy markets, and any prolonged disruption could affect oil exports, shipping costs and inflation.
Monday’s decline does not necessarily indicate that geopolitical risks have disappeared. Instead, traders may be reducing positions before Bessent outlines the administration’s measures. The impact on crude prices will depend on whether the sanctions directly target Iranian oil exports, buyers, shipping companies or financial intermediaries.
Treasury Yields Remain High
U.S. Treasury yields edged lower in early trading but stayed elevated. The 2-year yield declined 0.6 basis points to 4.23%, while the 10-year yield fell 2.1 basis points to 4.72%. The 30-year Treasury yield decreased 2.5 basis points to 5.25%.
Although yields eased, the long end of the Treasury curve remains under pressure because of fiscal deficits, high government borrowing and concerns about inflation. Last week’s bond selloff pushed the 30-year yield above 5.3%, its highest level in nearly two decades.
High yields can hurt technology stocks by increasing borrowing costs and reducing the present value of future profits. They can also pressure housing, consumer discretionary companies and highly leveraged businesses.
Gold Reaches New Highs
Gold prices rose on Monday morning as investors sought protection from geopolitical and fiscal uncertainty. According to the attached screenshot, spot gold was quoted at a bid of $4,652.50 and an ask of $4,654.50 per ounce. The metal was up $50.10, or 1.09%, with an intraday range of $4,594.10 to $4,670.80.
Gold had gained 12.67% over 30 days and 39.41% over one year. The rally reflects demand for safe-haven assets, concerns about the U.S. dollar and uncertainty surrounding Treasury-market conditions.
Gold prices could climb above $5,000 per ounce by 2027, according to Morgan Stanley, after the precious metal reached the bank’s fourth-quarter target of $4,450 faster than expected.
Read also : Gold : Build Your Wealth and Freedom
Gold is a long-term store of value and this storage capacity is standardized internationally. Each troy ounce of gold has the same value. The yellow metal is an asset with intrinsic value in itself, capable of maintaining its purchasing power throughout the centuries and around the world.
Economic Data in Focus
Investors will also review the Chicago Fed National Activity Index for July. The index was expected to show a reading near 0.10, with positive figures indicating above-trend economic growth.
A stronger-than-expected result could support the dollar and Treasury yields by reducing expectations for monetary easing. A weak reading could reinforce concerns about economic momentum and provide some support for rate-sensitive stocks.
Market Outlook
Monday’s trading session is dominated by three themes: Iran sanctions, Nvidia earnings and long-term Treasury yields. Oil prices are declining after last week’s rally, but further geopolitical escalation could quickly reverse that move.
Investors should monitor semiconductor stocks, energy companies, defence shares, gold and the dollar as Bessent’s announcement approaches. The market’s immediate direction will likely depend on whether the Iran measures are viewed as limited economic pressure or a step toward a wider disruption of global energy and trade routes.
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© Copyright 2026 – Eurasia Business News. Article no. 3115
