Dow Tumbles as Middle East Tensions Send Oil Prices Higher

U.S. equities came under pressure Tuesday as renewed focus on geopolitical risks and rising crude prices weighed on investor sentiment following the Labor Day holiday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) declined 1.2%. The S&P 500 (SPY) and Nasdaq Composite (COMP:IND) each lost 0.5%. Energy stocks led the S&P 500's 11 sectors, with four groups posting gains. Health care was the weakest sector as investors assessed the broader market pullback. Oil prices moved higher again after a quieter session a day earlier. Continued uncertainty in the Middle East supported crude, while new Canadian retaliatory tariffs on U.S. products also took effect Tuesday. Investors are now awaiting key U.S. inflation readings later this week. Producer prices are scheduled for Thursday, followed by consumer price data Friday, potentially offering fresh clues on the path for interest rates.