[New York Stock Market] All Indices Falling as U.S. Department of Defense Signals Combat Readiness

by Hwang Yoonju

Published 16 Apr.2026 23:08(KST)

International Oil Prices Climb Over 2% Again

[New York Stock Market] All Indices Falling as U.S. Department of Defense Signals Combat Readiness

On April 16 (local time), the three major U.S. stock indices opened higher but then turned downward. Investor sentiment appears to have weakened as the U.S. Department of Defense announced its readiness to resume combat operations if an agreement is not reached, while discussions for a second ceasefire summit are underway.

According to the Home Trading System (HTS), as of 9:55 a.m. at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), the Dow Jones Industrial Average (Dow Index) was down 17.15 points (0.04%) from the previous trading day at 48,446.57. The S&P 500 Index, which focuses on large-cap stocks, had dropped 12.90 points (0.18%) to 7,010.05, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Index had fallen 119.19 points (0.49%) to 23,896.83.

At a press briefing on U.S. military operations against Iran held at the Pentagon near Washington, D.C., Secretary Hegsex warned Iran that “If you make the wrong choice and do not reach an agreement, our military is fully prepared to resume combat operations.” He added, “We are watching you. Our military and yours are not equally matched. This would not be a fair fight.”

Currently, the United States and Iran are in discussions about the details of a second ceasefire summit. Contrary to expectations for talks this week, no official schedule has been set yet.

International oil prices are also on the rise again. On the New York Mercantile Exchange, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude for May delivery was trading at $93.14 per barrel, up 2.05% from the previous session. Brent crude for June delivery on the ICE Futures Exchange was up 2.81% to $97.60 per barrel.

Both oil and energy stocks are on the rise. ExxonMobil is up 2.06%, Chevron 1.71%, Occidental Petroleum 1.98%, Diamondback Energy 1.41%, and APA 2.51%, all showing notable gains.

Most technology stocks are declining. Nvidia is down 1.27%, Apple 1.36%, Amazon 1.22%, and Alphabet 0.16%. In contrast, Microsoft is up 0.50% and Meta is up 0.15%.

Tim Hayes, Chief Global Investment Strategist at Ned Davis Research, stated, “In terms of sentiment indicators and valuations, we have basically returned to late February levels,” and added, “If the uptrend is to continue, not only the Nasdaq Index but other indices must also rise together.”