Overview
- U.S. stocks fell Tuesday with the S&P 500 down 0.8%, the Nasdaq off 1.4% and the Dow slipping 0.3% as tech and software names weighed on the tape.
- Software shares slumped on mounting fears of AI-driven disruption, a slide amplified by new workplace tools from Anthropic, while PayPal tumbled after a weak report and leadership changes.
- Market stress indicators jumped as the VIX moved above 20 and gold and silver rebounded, reflecting a bid for safety.
- Oil prices rose about 2% after the U.S. said it shot down an Iranian drone, lifting Brent to roughly $67.50 a barrel and raising concern about fresh inflation pressure.
- Indian equities opened lower Wednesday with IT stocks leading declines, pulling back a day after the Sensex surged 2,073 points on the India–U.S. tariff-cut deal, while AMD’s weak after-hours outlook added to tech nerves.