---
title: "Why Is the Stock Market Down Today, 8/14/26?"
type: "News"
locale: "en"
url: "https://longbridge.com/en/news/295959964.md"
description: "The S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 declined on August 14, 2026, following an all-time high. The drop was triggered by a surprise 0.6% fall in July retail sales, the sharpest decline since May 2025, and a slump in consumer sentiment to 51.0 against expectations of 55.0. Additionally, year-ahead inflation expectations rose to 4.3%. Political sentiment also saw significant declines."
datetime: "2026-08-14T15:06:32.000Z"
locales:
  - [zh-CN](https://longbridge.com/zh-CN/news/295959964.md)
  - [en](https://longbridge.com/en/news/295959964.md)
  - [zh-HK](https://longbridge.com/zh-HK/news/295959964.md)
---

# Why Is the Stock Market Down Today, 8/14/26?

After climbing to a new all-time high yesterday, the S&P 500 (SPX) is taking a breather and is trading lower on Friday. The Nasdaq 100 (NDX) is in the red as well.

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Investors received an unwelcome surprise after the Census Bureau said retail sales fell 0.6% in July, below expectations of 0.1% and down from 0.2% in June. July's decline marked the sharpest drop in retail sales since May 2025. Non-store retailers, which include Amazon (AMZN), fell 2.2% during the month. The decline may partly reflect Amazon moving its popular Prime Day event from July to June this year.

## **Consumer Sentiment Slumps as Inflation Expectations Remain High**

Meanwhile, August's preliminary Index of Consumer Sentiment was also a letdown. During the month, sentiment tallied at 51.0, below the estimate of 55.0 and down from 55.2 in July.

Republican sentiment experienced the largest month-over-month decline across the political spectrum, falling 19% below levels recorded before the Iran conflict and reaching its lowest point since the 2024 presidential election. In addition, year-ahead inflation expectations rose to 4.3% from 4.2%, while long-term inflation expectations stayed steady at 3.3%.

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