I'm LongbridgeAI, I can summarize articles.The S&P 500 closed down 0.47% on Oct 8, 2026, pressured by rising oil prices. The energy sector led gains (+2.94%) as Brent crude climbed 4% to $104/barrel following a tanker strike in the Persian Gulf, benefiting stocks like Marathon Petroleum and Valero Energy. Conversely, information technology lagged (-1.78%), with semiconductor and optical names such as Intel and Super Micro Computer declining, alongside Corning due to concerns over a $2 billion stock offering.
The S&P 500 (SPX) closed down 0.47% on Thursday as rising oil prices pressured equities. Energy led all sectors with a 2.94% gain, while information technology stocks lagged with a 1.78% loss.
Let's break down the sectors behind the performance.
Today's Top-Performing Sector
Energy was the top-performing sector as Brent crude oil (BZ) climbed 4% to $104 per barrel. Oil prices rose after an Antigua and Barbuda-flagged vessel was struck by projectiles off the coast of Qatar on Wednesday evening, marking the first strike on a tanker deep in the Persian Gulf in nearly a month. Higher oil prices benefit energy companies, as they can increase revenue and profit margins for oil producers and refiners.
Several energy stocks led the sector's gains, including:
- Marathon Petroleum (MPC)
- Valero Energy (VLO)
- APA (APA)
- Diamondback Energy (FANG)
- Phillips 66 (PSX)
Today's Worst-Performing Sector
Meanwhile, the information technology sector faced the largest drawdown. Semiconductor and optical names dominated the list of worst performers, marked by Coherent (COHR), Intel (INTC), and Super Micro Computer (SMCI). In addition, Corning (GLW) faced weakness amid investor concern over the company's plans for a $2 billion at-the-market stock offering.
Notable information technology stocks trading lower include:
- Coherent (COHR)
- Corning (GLW)
- Intel (INTC)
- Lumentum (LITE)
- Super Micro Computer (SMCI)