US Stocks Mixed as Tech Weakness and Middle East Stalemate Weigh; Dow Falls 184 Points

U.S. stock markets saw a mixed trading session on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, as investors weighed concerns over major technology stocks and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed down 184.13 points, or 0.34%, settling at 53,791.85. The S&P 500 index also declined, losing 0.32%, while the Nasdaq Composite fell 0.60%.

Weakness in tech giants played a significant role in the market's performance. Alphabet's stock dropped 3.6%, continuing a downward trend since its AI division restructuring announcement last week. Nvidia and Apple, despite early gains, ultimately closed lower. Nvidia's shares dipped 0.02% even after announcing a collaboration to raise over $500 billion for AI infrastructure.

Geopolitical uncertainty in the Middle East added to investor caution, contributing to a rise in oil prices. West Texas Intermediate crude futures climbed 1.3% to $83.20 per barrel, and Brent crude futures rose approximately 1.4% to $88.91. This instability stems partly from Iran's stance on the Strait of Hormuz, with its Supreme National Security Council reiterating that the waterway will not reopen without specific conditions being met.

Looking ahead, market participants are closely anticipating key inflation reports. The U.S. July Consumer Price Index (CPI) is due Wednesday, followed by the Producer Price Index (PPI) on Thursday. These figures are considered particularly important following a recent employment report that complicated the Federal Reserve's outlook on the economy.

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The Strait of Hormuz will not be reopened until relevant conditions are met.