Nasdaq falls as oil prices rally ahead of earnings, economic data

The Nasdaq Composite experienced a decline on Monday, closing 0.44% lower at 27,245.90 points. This drop occurred as oil prices surged nearly US$2 per barrel following attacks on a Saudi airport and investors awaited Q3 earnings reports and economic data. The S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average showed minimal changes, while oil futures experienced a rally due to the violence.

In the coming days, US investors will focus on corporate earnings, including major banks like Goldman Sachs, Citigroup, and JPMorgan Chase, which reported early on Tuesday. Analysts expected S&P 500 earnings to increase by 30.6% in Q3, based on LSEG IBES data. Additionally, September readings for US consumer and producer inflation, along with retail sales data, were anticipated.

Tim Ghriskey, a senior portfolio strategist, noted that investors were cautious due to rising oil prices and limited bond yield direction. He emphasized the significance of earnings reports, stating that four major banks reporting on Tuesday could have a substantial impact. Higher energy prices have fueled inflation concerns, prompting the US Treasury market to close for Columbus Day.

Trading volume on US exchanges was relatively light, with 12.67 billion shares changing hands compared to the 20-day moving average of 17.62 billion. Energy stocks outperformed the S&P 500's 11 major industry sectors, while consumer discretionary and technology sectors lagged behind.