Stocks Fall as Oil Gains on Iran Tensions; Earnings Season in Focus
Global stock markets declined on Monday, July 20, 2026, as rising oil prices driven by escalating U.S.-Iran tensions weighed on investor sentiment. Brent crude rose 1.3% to $89.22 a barrel, and WTI gained 0.9% to $83.23 after the Houthis announced a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia. The Dow fell 0.59%, the S&P 500 dropped 0.19%, and the Nasdaq slipped 0.05%. Investors are also focused on upcoming earnings reports from major U.S. companies like Intel and Alphabet, which may provide a cushion for markets. The semiconductor index recovered slightly after entering bear market territory. U.S. Treasury yields rose as traders assessed the impact of higher oil prices. The European Central Bank is set to meet later in the week. In the UK, Andy Burnham became prime minister, replacing Keir Starmer, causing sterling to weaken slightly. Gold edged lower to $4,007 an ounce.
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