US stocks closed lower as hotter-than-expected inflation and escalating US-Iran tensions weighed on sentiment. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq retreated from record highs, led by tech weakness, while Dow held steady. Rising oil prices and fears of prolonged inflation reduced hopes of Fed rate cuts and lifted rate-hike bets.
NY Fed’s John Williams flags need to gather more information on inflation risks before rate decisions
Federal Reserve officials John Williams and Alberto Musalem have flagged persistent inflation risks, with rapid AI infrastructure investment potentially adding to price pressures. Williams backed