Wall Street ends lower, off record highs, as Treasury yields climb

On October 7, Wall Street experienced a decline as long-dated US Treasury yields continued their upward trend, reigniting concerns about inflation and mounting debt following two consecutive days of record highs on the S&P 500 and Nasdaq. The three major US stock indexes all closed lower, with the S&P 500 and Dow snapping four-day winning streaks.

The Nasdaq, however, had its first down day in six. Small-cap Russell 2000 underperformed its larger counterparts, dropping 1.3%. Brent crude settled above $100 per barrel, while long-dated Treasury yields reached a 24-year high. Rising oil prices due to Iran war-related supply concerns have sparked inflation worries and increased the likelihood of a prolonged central bank rate hiking cycle.

Investors are seeking relief in oil prices, which would reduce rates and support the stock market. The third quarter was not a weak quarter as initially expected, leading some investors to take profits. The Fed's rate hike decision in September revealed divisions among participants, with some viewing it as necessary to counter energy price shocks and others believing it was crucial to curb demand-driven inflation.

The likelihood of a second consecutive rate hike at the end of October decreased to 17.2%, down from 37.6% a week prior. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 341.11 points (0.66%) to 51,180.17, the S&P 500 fell 17.18 points (0.22%) to 7,801.75, and the Nasdaq Composite declined 61.19 points (0.22%) to 27,538.69.