S&P 500 Slides, Gold Crashes As $100 Oil Stokes Stagflation Fears: What's Moving Markets Thursday?

The S&P 500 fell to its lowest close since mid-November as a sell-off accelerated after Iranian strikes on Gulf energy infrastructure pushed crude prices sharply higher while a more hawkish Federal Reserve stance increased rate fears. The combination of a supply-driven oil shock and tighter Fed expectations reignited stagflation concerns, prompting broad risk-off positioning and higher market volatility. Expect downside pressure on cyclical and rate-sensitive sectors until clarity on oil supply disruptions and Fed policy emerges.

Analysis

The S&P 500 fell to its lowest close since mid-November as a sell-off accelerated after Iranian strikes on Gulf energy infrastructure pushed crude prices sharply higher while a more hawkish Federal Reserve stance increased rate fears. The combination of a supply-driven oil shock and tighter Fed expectations reignited stagflation concerns, prompting broad risk-off positioning and higher market volatility. Expect downside pressure on cyclical and rate-sensitive sectors until clarity on oil supply disruptions and Fed policy emerges.