- The S&P 500 closed lower on August 14, 2026, driven by declining consumer sentiment and weaker-than-expected retail sales.
- The energy sector emerged as the top performer due to elevated tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and a 90% drop in traffic, which raised Brent crude prices and benefited oil stocks like Halliburton and Devon Energy.
- Conversely, the healthcare sector suffered the largest drawdown as investors rotated capital into energy and memory stocks amid rising Middle East tensions, weighing down major firms like Eli Lilly and Veeva.
- The S&P 500 closed higher on July 28, 2026, driven by healthcare gains despite a selloff in AI stocks and falling oil prices.
- Healthcare emerged as the top-performing sector, boosted by strong Q2 earnings beats and raised guidance from companies like IQVIA and Incyte.
- Conversely, the energy sector faced the largest drawdown as Brent crude prices fell due to easing U.S.-Iran tensions.
