US stocks slip lower amid rising oil prices and inflation concerns

U.S. stocks moved lower across consecutive sessions, with the Dow, S&P 500 and Nasdaq all declining as investors consolidated gains and adopted a cautious stance. The Dow suffered the sharpest losses, falling more than 1% in Tuesday trading amid selling in industrial, energy and other cyclical shares, while the Nasdaq proved comparatively resilient. Rising oil prices linked to escalating Middle East tensions intensified inflation concerns, with investors also awaiting new wholesale and consumer inflation data ahead of the Federal Reserve’s next policy meeting. President Donald Trump has urged lower interest rates, while persistent inflation could complicate the Fed’s decision on whether to cut, hold or raise rates. Wednesday’s losses were more contained, suggesting a pullback rather than a decisive change in the broader market trend.