Why is US stock market down today? US financial markets took a sharp hit on Friday, May 15, 2026, as Wall Street pulled back from record highs. The Dow Jones fell 366 points to 49,697. The S&P 500 dropped 0.86% to 7,436. The Nasdaq slid 1.25%, losing 331 points. Inflation fears returned with force, and the Trump-Xi summit in Beijing failed to calm nerves entirely. Treasury yields surged. Gold collapsed. Silver crashed 8%. The day reminded every trader what uncertainty really costs — and how fast gains can vanish when the bond market turns hostile.
Markets had been flying high just 24 hours earlier. Thursday saw the S&P 500 and Nasdaq close at all-time highs. The Dow crossed 50,000. But Friday's open told a different story. Selling was fast, broad, and decisive.
