# US-Iran tensions and market volatility > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-iran-tensions-and-market-volatility > Updated: 2026-08-13T13:50:33.000Z. Sources: 22. Developments: 2. Geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran have impacted global markets, specifically regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Initially, US stock markets faced downward pressure as rising oil prices and Middle East instability fueled inflation concerns. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi indicated that negotiations remain stalled, stating there is “no possibility of resuming negotiations while the US violates previous understandings,” while President Trump rejected Iranian demands for war reparations. Following this period of volatility, oil prices saw a decline, ending a six-day winning streak. Concurrently, Wall Street indices recorded marginal gains as cooling inflation data, including a Producer Price Index that met or slightly underperformed expectations, led investors to moderate their outlook on interest rate hikes. More recently, the S&P 500 reached an intraday record high of 7,816.70, marking its third consecutive week of gains. This growth is supported by strong corporate performance, with over 90% of S&P 500 companies reporting second-quarter earnings showing approximately 50% year-over-year growth. While the artificial intelligence boom continues to drive capital expenditures in the infrastructure and energy sectors, market sentiment remains mixed. Investors are balancing robust corporate profits against signs of economic deceleration, such as an unexpected decline in July U.S. retail sales and deteriorating consumer confidence. Geopolitical tensions involving Iran and the Strait of Hormuz continue to influence energy prices and market volatility as the Federal Reserve's potential September interest rate decisions loom. ## Claims - More than 90% of S&P 500 companies have reported second-quarter earnings. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Year-over-year earnings growth for S&P 500 companies is approximately 50%. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The S&P 500 reached an intraday high of 7,816.70. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The S&P 500 achieved its third consecutive week of gains, advancing 0.4% for the week. (corroborated by 4 sources) - U.S. retail sales for July showed an unexpected decline. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by approximately 0.2% on Friday. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The cyclically adjusted price-to-earnings (CAPE) ratio has surpassed 40 only once since 1999. (single source) - AI-driven capital expenditures are expanding beyond technology into sectors like energy and infrastructure. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-13: S&P 500 hits record highs amid strong corporate earnings The S&P 500 secured its third straight weekly gain, hitting record highs driven by strong corporate earnings, even as unexpected declines in U.S. retail sales and geopolitical tensions create market uncertainty 17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/oil-prices-decline-as-wall-street-rises-on-cooling-inflation-data ### 2026-08-09: Wall Street declines amid US-Iran tensions and Intel stock issuance Wall Street indices declined amid rising US-Iran tensions and high oil prices. Intel shares fell following a $15 billion stock issuance to fund AI growth, while geopolitical uncertainty persists in the Strait_H 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/wall-street-reacts-to-us-iran-tensions-and-intel-stock-issuance --- Cite as: US-Iran tensions and market volatility. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-iran-tensions-and-market-volatility