Stock market today: Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq futures edge up as oil turns lower in wait for Big Tech earnings - Yahoo Finance

What the report says

Yahoo Finance reported that U.S. stocks lost momentum on Monday, July 20, 2026, as an early rally faded and chip-related strength weakened before a major week of technology earnings. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed down 0.6%, the S&P 500 slipped about 0.2%, and the Nasdaq Composite finished slightly below unchanged after recent volatility in semiconductor shares.

According to the report, investors were looking for a new driver for the artificial intelligence trade following recent sector rotation. Earnings from Alphabet, Intel, IBM and Tesla were due later in the week, with Wall Street focused on whether large technology companies can show that AI spending is translating into revenue or profit growth. That matters because AI-linked optimism has been a major support for parts of the stock market, especially chipmakers and large-cap tech names.

Yahoo Finance also cited renewed pressure from energy markets and geopolitical tensions. Oil prices were volatile after touching $90 a barrel, and the report said crude turned higher after weekend escalation between the United States and Iran. It said President Trump warned Iran would “pay” for deaths of U.S. military personnel, while Yemen’s Houthi militia announced a blockade targeting Saudi oil exports.

The article noted that Brent crude remained below its April and May highs, suggesting traders may be weighing alternative oil shipping routes beyond the Strait of Hormuz. The combined focus on Big Tech earnings, AI monetization and Middle East risk left markets searching for a clearer catalyst.