Oil price today: Brent crude dips below $100, stock markets mixed

Oil prices recently fell below $100 a barrel, causing mixed reactions in stock markets on Thursday. US equities started on a down note, while positive economic data and lower government bond yields helped stabilize markets to some extent. Brent crude, a key global benchmark, settled at $97.60 per barrel for December delivery, and West Texas Intermediate settled below $90 per barrel.

The mixed performance in the markets came despite the spike in oil prices, which remained a significant driver of uncertainty. Saudi Arabia's partially reopened East-West pipeline had allowed for increased fuel output, providing some relief to the market. However, other factors, such as higher interest rates and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, continued to influence investor sentiment.

Economic reports released that day indicated a healthier economy than initially expected, with personal consumption expenditure growing at 3.4 percent, below forecasts but still positive. The Commerce Department revised upward its second-quarter growth estimate, citing the impact of artificial intelligence investments. The Federal Reserve's chances of raising interest rates in October were reduced to less than 40 percent, down from over 65 percent earlier in the week.

Analysts noted that the overall market sentiment was supportive of risk assets, reducing the probability of an October rate hike. However, concerns remained about borrowing costs, with the US 10-year Treasury yield nearing its highest level since 2007, and the US 30-year yield hitting a 24-year high.

In the US market, the Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500 ended lower, although the Nasdaq experienced a gain due to a robust tech rally. Chip company Micron Technology contributed to this positive movement, even though the company warned of narrower margins. Asian markets, including those in New York, Seoul, and Tokyo, saw mixed results, with some tech giants reporting strong gains.