Market Open: Stocks Mixed, Crude Above $80; Retail Sales as Expected • 7/16/26

• Wall Street is mixed, with the Dow up slightly due to United Health's strong quarterly results, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq are down, particularly impacting chipmaker stocks.
• Geopolitical concerns regarding the Strait of Hormuz and rising crude oil prices (above $80/barrel) are influencing the market, with national average gas prices nearing $4/gallon.
• Retail sales in June ticked up 0.2% from May, but consumer spending is showing signs of moderation, and Netflix is experiencing subscriber downgrades due to price increases and inflation.

The market is mixed with chipmakers pulling back and the Nasdaq down significantly, while the Dow is slightly up due to United Health's strong earnings. Geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz are noted. Retail sales showed a slight increase, but consumer spending patterns and the impact of rising gas prices are being closely watched. Netflix is facing subscriber downgrades due to price increases and inflation.