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US stocks flat as oil spikes and Fed hike odds rise

Reported by Danish Ansari (Fact-Checker) · Economic Times - Markets ·

Unconfirmed — Reported by one source so far

Reported by one source so far

Important
US stocks flat as oil spikes and Fed hike odds riseRepresentative image · Wikimedia Commons

Market Overview

S&P 500 finished the session almost unchanged, recorded at 01:24 AM IST on 25 September 2026. The index slipped slightly as Microsoft shares fell, while Meta Platforms posted a rise that helped limit losses. The mixed move came amid broader market swings.

Energy and Bonds

Oil prices jumped after a missile strike hit Saudi Arabia, raising supply worries and pushing crude higher. The surge added pressure to energy stocks. Treasury yields also climbed, with the 30‑year bond yield hitting its highest level since 2004. The article noted several Indian stocks such as SBI, Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, Infosys, Wipro and NTPC as trending, and highlighted ETMarkets’ Telegram alerts and ET Prime subscription offers.

Outlook

Traders see a strong chance that the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates again, based on the latest business activity data. The prospect of another hike keeps investors cautious as they assess future borrowing costs.

ExplainerWhy this matters

What Happened

The S&P 500 barely moved as Microsoft fell and Meta rose. A missile strike on Saudi Arabia pushed oil up, and the 30‑year US Treasury yield rose to its highest point since 2004.

Why It Matters

Flat equity markets signal uncertainty. Higher oil prices can raise inflation and affect consumer costs. Rising long‑term yields increase borrowing costs for businesses and households, and they often signal expectations of tighter monetary policy.

What Happens Next

Investors will watch the Federal Reserve’s upcoming meeting for clues on a possible rate hike. Oil traders will monitor further developments in the Saudi region for supply risks. Bond markets will react to any Fed signals, which could move yields again.

Read more at Economic Times - Markets →