Major indices on the New York Stock Exchange fell across the board in afternoon trading on the 20th (Korea time). Rising U.S. Treasury yields and strong international oil prices are pressuring investor sentiment, with weakness across the board including the Dow Jones Industrial Average, the tech-heavy NASDAQ Composite, and the small- and mid-cap Russell 2000. U.S. markets opened the day with all major indices declining together from the start of trading.

Major Index Movements

As of the afternoon of the 20th, Korea time, in intraday trading, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 355.95 points (0.67%) at 53,107.10. It recorded an intraday high of 53,381.22 and a low of 52,995.94.

The Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500 index was down 21.92 points (0.28%) at 7,686.43, moving in negative territory after rising as high as 7,695.81 and falling to 7,676.81 intraday.

The tech-heavy NASDAQ Composite fell 118.53 points (0.45%) from the previous session to 26,212.56, with an intraday high of 26,263.47 and a low of 26,187.53.

The Russell 2000, which tracks small- and mid-cap stocks, showed a relatively larger decline. The Russell 2000 was down 21.16 points (0.70%) at 3,011.78, with intraday high and low of 3,016.50 and 3,007.40, respectively.

Rising Treasury Yields and Oil Prices Weigh on Market

One of the factors weighing on the market is U.S. Treasury yields. Long-term Treasury yields rose again, increasing the burden on stock valuations, particularly pressuring sentiment toward growth and technology stocks. The 10-year U.S. Treasury yield rose to around 4.7% intraday, and the 30-year yield also remained at elevated levels.

International oil price movements are also a factor. With tensions between the United States and Iran continuing, concerns over crude oil supply have grown, and international oil prices are under upward pressure. Caution remains in the market that rising energy prices could stoke inflation again and increase interest rate burdens.

Among individual stocks, Walmart is dragging on the Dow. Walmart shares fell sharply early in the session following its earnings release, and caution surrounding the earnings and outlook of consumer-related companies is also affecting investor sentiment.

Unable to Extend Previous Day's Rebound

The previous day, the New York stock market ended a three-day losing streak with a modest rebound. On the 19th, the Dow rose 0.2%, while the S&P 500 and NASDAQ each gained about 0.2%. However, with major indices declining together again today, the market has failed to sustain its rebound.

Currently, the Dow and Russell 2000 are showing relatively larger declines, while the S&P 500 and NASDAQ have also remained weak. As the U.S. regular trading session is still in progress, current index levels are not final closing figures. Index movements may change depending on Treasury yields, international oil prices, and the movement of large-cap technology stocks later in the session.

[This article was written with AI assistance. It is based on market information from the intraday session on the afternoon of August 20, 2026, Korea time, and the indices cited may fluctuate during real-time trading. This content does not recommend the purchase or sale of any specific financial product or guarantee investment returns. Investment decisions and their consequences are the responsibility of the investor, and readers should check the latest market information before making actual investments.]