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Wall Street drifts near its all-time high as oil prices keep swinging
United States🏛️ PoliticsCenter8/11/2026

Wall Street drifts near its all-time high as oil prices keep swinging

U.S. stocks remained near record highs on Tuesday amid ongoing volatility in oil prices driven by tensions with Iran. The S&P 500 declined slightly, while the Dow and Nasdaq also saw minor drops. Oil prices fluctuated significantly, reaching above $90 before retreating to around $88.66, reflecting uncertainty over the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz after attacks on Iran. Higher oil prices have contributed to rising gasoline costs, now averaging $4.01 per gallon. Investors are closely watching the upcoming U.S. inflation report, which could influence the Federal Reserve's decision on interest rates. There is growing speculation about potential rate hikes, which could impact both the economy and financial markets. Meanwhile, some companies reported better-than-expected earnings, contributing to mixed performance on Wall Street.

The Federal Reserve faces a pivotal decision on whether to raise interest rates in September, with the outcome hinging on the July inflation report. A recent slowdown in U.S. job gains has not swayed the central bank, but a potential easing in inflation could tip the scales toward a rate hike. Economists anticipate inflation may have dipped slightly to 3.4% in July from 3.5% in June, though it remains elevated. The U.S. labor market has shown signs of softening, with fewer jobs added in the previous month. This trend has sparked speculation that the Fed might consider cutting rates, especially given the relatively stable wage growth. However, the central bank remains divided, with some officials arguing that current rates are insufficient to curb inflation effectively. Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack has expressed concerns that multiple rate hikes may be necessary to adequately address inflationary pressures. Her dissent at the last policy meeting underscores the internal debate within the Fed regarding the appropriate course of action. Meanwhile, investor sentiment remains cautiously optimistic. Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting global markets, U.S. stocks have hovered near record highs. Oil prices continue to fluctuate due to uncertainties surrounding the conflict with Iran, contributing to inflationary pressures. The average price for a gallon of regular gasoline has risen to $4.01, up from $3.14 a year ago. Wall Street analysts suggest that the upcoming inflation data will play a crucial role in shaping the Fed’s next move. With traders predicting a roughly 50-50 chance of a rate increase, the decision could have far-reaching implications for both the economy and financial markets. President Donald Trump, known for his efforts to influence monetary policy, has publicly criticized the Fed’s approach, advocating for lower interest rates. Treasury yields have climbed since the escalation of hostilities with Iran, driven by fears of rising inflation and increased borrowing costs. The 10-year Treasury yield currently stands at 4.69%, remaining significantly higher than pre-war levels. Mortgage rates have followed suit, reaching their highest point in over a year. Corporate earnings reports have shown mixed results, with some companies exceeding expectations while others faced challenges. Cardinal Health saw a modest rise in shares after surpassing analyst forecasts, whereas On Holding experienced a sharp decline despite beating profit estimates. Intel announced plans to sell $20 billion in stock, using proceeds for AI-related investments. European and Asian markets showed varied performance, with Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index declining sharply. These developments highlight the complex interplay between global economic conditions and local market dynamics.

How this report was made. Objective News wrote this report from 4 source articles, using AI-assisted synthesis under our methodology. It is our own text, not a copy of any single outlet. Read our methodology.

Responsible editor: Matej BašaSpotted an error? Report it

7 reports

MarketWatch logoMarketWatchIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 908/11/2026
Why copper — ‘the commodity for all seasons’ — is more precious than gold nowadays

The article discusses the increasing value of copper compared to gold, highlighting its role as an inflation hedge and its strong industrial demand. It mentions Panumre Liberum's argument that copper provides benefits similar to gold while being less affected by interest rate changes. The piece emphasizes copper's versatility across various industries and its potential for sustained demand growth.

Bias read (Center): The article presents copper's advantages over gold without overtly favoring either metal. It focuses on economic factors like inflation protection and industrial demand rather than taking a clear ideological stance. While it highlights specific arguments from Panumre Liberum, it does not frame them,

Why factuality (85): The article makes reasonable claims about copper being valued for its inflation protection and industrial demand, which aligns with general market analysis. However, it lacks specific data or references to support these assertions, relying mostly on the opinion of 'Panumre Liberum' without elaborati

Why objectivity (90): The tone is generally neutral and informative, presenting copper's advantages without overt bias. It uses descriptive language but avoids strong endorsements or criticisms, maintaining a balanced perspective.

MarketWatch logoMarketWatchIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 788/11/2026
Is inflation really slowing? Fed rate hike hinges on July price report.

The article discusses the potential impact of the latest inflation data on the Federal Reserve's decision to raise interest rates. It notes that while there was a surprising decline in U.S. jobs last month, this does not appear to be enough to prevent a rate hike. However, if the upcoming July inflation report shows subdued price growth, it could influence the Fed to delay or adjust its monetary policy decisions.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced view by acknowledging both the mixed economic indicators (decline in jobs vs. tame inflation) and their potential implications for the Federal Reserve's actions. There is no clear ideological slant in the framing of the story, which focuses on economic data ratherthan

Why factuality (85): The article references a potential slowdown in inflation and mentions the Fed's consideration of a rate hike based on the July price report. While no primary source is available, the content aligns with common economic reporting and general consensus on Fed policy discussions. It does not make speci

Why objectivity (78): The tone is neutral, focusing on the Fed's decision-making process and economic indicators. However, it uses phrases like 'surprising decline' and 'could do the trick,' which introduce some level of interpretation rather than purely factual statements.

Quartz logoQuartzIndependentCenterFactual 82Objective 768/11/2026
A top Fed official is warning it will take more than one rate hike to bring down inflation

A top Federal Reserve official, the president of the Cleveland Fed, has warned that bringing down inflation will require more than just one interest rate hike. The official expressed dissent during the most recent policy meeting, arguing that current interest rates are not yet having a significant impact on slowing the economy. This suggests a potential shift in monetary policy strategy, with the possibility of further rate increases being necessary to achieve inflation control.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a statement from a high-ranking Fed official regarding monetary policy and inflation concerns. While the content relates to economic policy, which is inherently political, the article does not overtly favor one political ideology over another. It reports on the official's stance

Why factuality (82): The article accurately reports that Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack expressed dissent at the last meeting and suggests that current rates may not be sufficient. This aligns with public statements made by Fed officials and is consistent with broader reporting on Fed policy debates.

Why objectivity (76): The article presents the information objectively but frames it as a 'dissent' and implies that current rates may not be effective, which introduces a slight interpretive bias. The language is generally neutral but leans slightly toward highlighting the disagreement.

Bloomberg News logoBloomberg NewsIndependent🔒ConservativeFactual 80Objective 758/10/2026
Can Trump Influence the Federal Reserve and Interest Rates?

President Donald Trump has been actively trying to influence the Federal Reserve since the beginning of his second term, challenging the traditional separation between the U.S. central bank and political figures. Trump has pressured Fed Chairman Jerome Powell, whom he appointed during his first term, to lower interest rates. Additionally, he has made efforts to remove Fed Governor Lisa Cook from her position. These actions represent a departure from the norm of keeping the Federal Reserve independent from direct political control.

Bias read (Conservative): The article highlights Trump's attempts to exert influence over the Federal Reserve, which is typically considered politically neutral. The framing emphasizes Trump's aggressive approach toward the Fed, suggesting a challenge to established norms of independence. This aligns with a right-leaning slp

Why factuality (80): The article accurately describes Trump's continued efforts to influence the Fed, including his second attempt to remove Lisa Cook. It provides context about his public campaign and historical actions, which are well-documented. The focus on his ongoing strategy supports the factual content.

Why objectivity (75): The article emphasizes Trump's persistent pressure on the Fed, which could be seen as subtly critical of his approach. While not overtly biased, the tone suggests a narrative that views his actions as disruptive to the Fed's independence.

MarketWatch logoMarketWatchIndependentCenterFactual 65Objective 708/10/2026
The U.S. economy is shedding jobs. Here’s why that’s good news for stocks.

The article suggests that a weakening U.S. labor market could lead to lower interest rates from the Federal Reserve due to reduced wage growth pressures. This potential rate cut is presented as positive for stock markets, implying that slower job growth might support financial assets by making borrowing cheaper.

Bias read (Center): The article presents economic data and a potential Fed policy outcome without overtly favoring either political side. It focuses on macroeconomic indicators and their implications for financial markets rather than taking a partisan stance on policy direction.

Why factuality (65): The article states that the U.S. economy is 'shedding jobs' and links this to potential Fed rate cuts. While the claim aligns with the broader economic context of a weakening labor market, there is no specific data cited to support the assertion. The reference to 22V appears to be a placeholder or n

Why objectivity (70): The tone is somewhat promotional, suggesting that job losses are 'good news for stocks.' This implies a positive bias toward market outcomes, potentially influencing reader interpretation. The language leans slightly toward a favorable view of market reactions, though not overtly partisan.

MarketWatch logoMarketWatchIndependentCenterFactual 55Objective 458/11/2026
Wall Street thinks inflation is under control. Here’s why investors shouldn’t buy it.

The article argues that while Wall Street believes inflation is under control, investors should remain cautious. It suggests that the U.S. economy may need sustained inflation rather than just economic growth to address the current debt crisis. The piece challenges the prevailing optimism among financial markets and highlights potential risks associated with relying on inflation as a solution.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced perspective by highlighting differing views between Wall Street and the author's cautionary stance. There is no overtly biased language, one-sided sourcing, or omission of context. The framing remains neutral, focusing on presenting contrasting viewpoints without slan

Why factuality (55): The article presents a perspective on inflation and its relationship to the U.S. debt crisis, but lacks specific data or references to primary sources to support these claims. It uses phrases like 'Wall Street thinks' and 'investors shouldn't buy it,' which suggest opinion rather than objective anal

Why objectivity (45): The tone is somewhat provocative, using phrases like 'Here’s why investors shouldn’t buy it' which implies a recommendation rather than an impartial analysis. The article frames the issue in a way that suggests a particular viewpoint on market behavior and government policy, lacking neutrality.

The Washington Times logoThe Washington TimesParty-alignedCenterFactual 30Objective 408/11/2026
Wall Street drifts near its all-time high as oil prices keep swinging

U.S. stocks remained near record highs on Tuesday amid ongoing volatility in oil prices driven by tensions with Iran. The S&P 500 declined slightly, while the Dow and Nasdaq also saw minor drops. Oil prices fluctuated significantly, reaching above $90 before retreating to around $88.66, reflecting uncertainty over the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz after attacks on Iran. Higher oil prices have contributed to rising gasoline costs, now averaging $4.01 per gallon. Investors are closely watching the upcoming U.S. inflation report, which could influence the Federal Reserve's decision on interest rates. There is growing speculation about potential rate hikes, which could impact both the economy and financial markets. Meanwhile, some companies reported better-than-expected earnings, contributing to mixed performance on Wall Street.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced view of the economic implications of geopolitical tensions and central bank decisions without overtly favoring any political ideology. It reports on market reactions, inflation concerns, and potential Fed actions without taking a clear partisan stance.

Why factuality (30): This article cites the Bureau of Labor Statistics but provides a simplified version of the data, mentioning a 0.1% monthly rise and 3.4% annual rate. However, it omits critical details from the PPI report, such as the breakdown of sectors and the role of energy prices. It also includes speculative c

Why objectivity (40): While the article attempts to present a balanced discussion of the Fed's potential actions, it uses emotionally charged language ('easing pressure') and frames the situation in a way that supports a particular narrative about the Fed's decision-making process.

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