US stock indices opened lower Wednesday as rising oil prices reignited inflation and interest-rate concerns among investors. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.7 percent to 52,413 points, marking its lowest level since late July. The S&P 500 slipped 0.3 percent to 7,652 points.
The technology-heavy Nasdaq 100 proved the more resilient of the three major gauges, edging down only slightly to 29,492 points. Meta Platforms provided a lift after introducing “Muse,” a new AI agent that also bolstered related chip and memory stocks across the sector.
Oil prices climbed Wednesday following fresh mutual attacks in the Persian Gulf. November Brent crude rose above $100 a barrel for the first time since July, adding to headwinds for risk assets.
Looking ahead, analysts expect the European Central Bank’s policy decision on Thursday and US inflation data due Friday to carry heightened significance given the oil-price backdrop.
