Stock futures fall on oil, Mideast, inflation fears

U.S. stock futures declined on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, as rising oil prices, escalating Middle East tensions, and renewed concerns about inflation and Federal Reserve interest rate policy weighed on market sentiment. The declines marked the first trading day after the Labor Day holiday. Futures for the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by approximately 0.9%, while S&P 500 futures dropped about 0.4%, and Nasdaq 100 futures retreated around 0.2%. These movements occurred as Brent crude oil futures neared $100 a barrel, reaching their highest level in six weeks, with U.S. benchmark West Texas Intermediate crude approaching $93 a barrel. This surge in oil prices marks the third consecutive session of gains for energy markets. The upward pressure on oil prices is attributed to escalating conflict in the Middle East. Iran-backed Houthi militants launched strikes on energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, and Iran itself threatened to impose a maritime exclusion zone across the Persian Gulf. These actions have revived concerns about potential disruptions to global oil supply and have contributed to fears of accelerating inflation.