U.S. equity markets are experiencing a downward trend during midday trading on Thursday, September 24th, 2026. While the session opened with a mixed tone,
U.S. equity markets are experiencing a downward trend during midday trading on Thursday, September 24th, 2026.
While the session opened with a mixed tone,
U.S. equity markets are experiencing a downward trend during midday trading on Thursday, September 24th, 2026. While the session opened with a mixed tone, momentum has shifted toward the bears as investors grapple with rising Treasury yields and a significant spike in energy prices. The market’s "fear gauge," the VIX, represented by the iPath Series B S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures ETN (VXX), has climbed 1.61%, signaling increased caution among market participants.
Major Index Performance
As of midday, all three major indexes are trading in negative territory. The S&P 500 (SPY) is down 0.5%, struggling to maintain its footing as technology and industrial sectors face selling pressure. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite (QQQ) is the day's laggard, falling 0.77% as high-growth stocks react to a move higher in long-term interest rates. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DIA) is also underperforming, shedding 0.66%.
Small-cap stocks are seeing even steeper declines, with the iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM) dropping 0.98%. This suggests a broad-based "risk-off" sentiment, particularly as the iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF (TLT) falls 0.86%, indicating that yields are pushing higher and weighing on equity valuations.
Sector Spotlight: Energy Gains Amidst Tech Weakness
The standout performer today is the energy sector. The United States Oil Fund (USO) has surged 4.36%, driving the State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) up 1.53%. This rally is largely attributed to geopolitical tensions and supply-side concerns that have pushed crude prices higher. Conversely, the State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK) is down 1.12%, and the VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) has retreated 1.51%.
Major Stock News and Corporate Developments
In corporate news, Meta Platforms (META) remains a focal point of activity, trading slightly up by 0.1% on massive volume following its recent product announcements. However, Oracle Corp (ORCL) is seeing significant pressure, falling 5.4% as investors take profits following a recent run-up.
Averytin News Financial update.