Stocks fell over a shortened trading week as higher oil prices rattled investors.
The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index declined 0.80 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index edged down 0.66 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 1.57 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, skidded 1.39 percent.1,2
Sluggish Start
Stocks fell in response to higher oil prices at Tuesday’s opening bell as investors returned from the long Labor Day weekend. Investors kept one eye on diplomatic efforts in the Middle East and another on fresh inflation reports due out later in the week.3
Stocks were under pressure again on Wednesday as oil prices continued climbing. After the Treasury Department announced it was tripling its long-dated debt buyback program (to as much as $6 billion), the yield on the 10-year Treasury note rose to a 3-year high. Investors continued to fret over inflation as the week progressed, putting further pressure on stocks.4,5
On Friday, stocks rebounded after news that annualized inflation held steady in August, puzzling some who expected stocks to decline. Oil prices fell, and markets rebounded to finish a tough week on an upbeat note.6
Source: YCharts.com, September 12, 2026. Weekly performance is measured from Friday, September 4 to Friday, September 11. TR = total return for the index, which includes any dividends as well as any other cash distributions during the period. Treasury note yield is expressed in basis points.
Inflation Reports
Wholesale inflation was released on Thursday; PPI, or the Producer Price Index, rose 0.4 percent in August over the prior month, in line with expectations. Stocks were under pressure despite the tame results.7
But on Friday, the latest CPI (Consumer Price Index) report showed that year-over-year retail inflation in August held steady at 3.4 percent. Traders appeared to look past the report, with the question shifting from whether the Fed will adjust rates this year to how many times the Fed may need to act.8
This Week: Key Economic Data
Tuesday: Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) Meeting, Day 1.
Wednesday: Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) Meeting, Day 2. Retail Sales. Import Prices. Manufacturing & Trade Inventories. NAHB Housing Market Index. Fed interest rate decision.
Thursday: Housing Starts. Weekly Jobless Claims. Pending Home Sales.
Friday: Industrial Production. Capacity Utilization. Leading Indicators.
Source: Investor’s Business Daily – Econoday economic calendar: September 11, 2026.
The Econoday economic calendar lists upcoming U.S. economic data releases (including key economic indicators), Federal Reserve policy meetings, and speaking engagements of Federal Reserve officials. The content is developed from sources believed to provide accurate information. The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and may not materialize. The forecasts are also subject to revision.
This Week: Companies Reporting Earnings
No major companies are reporting this week.
Source: Zacks, September 11, 2026. Companies mentioned are for informational purposes only. It should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of the securities. Investing involves risks, and investment decisions should be based on your goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance. The return and principal value of investments will fluctuate as market conditions change. When sold, investments may be worth more or less than their original cost. Companies may reschedule their earnings reports without notice.
“Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.”
–Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Turn Errands Into a Scavenger Hunt
Everyday errands don’t have to feel like a chore. For kids, they can be an adventure. Before your next grocery run or trip to the hardware store, put together a simple scavenger hunt list tailored to wherever you’re headed. Challenge younger kids to find items by color or shape, while older ones can compare prices or read labels. It turns a routine outing into an engaging, educational experience that the whole family can enjoy together.
Tip adapted from theeverymom.com9
Strength Training Strategies for Every Level
If you would like to build muscle mass, sometimes the simplest strategies are optimal. For example, becoming proficient at the “big four” exercises can help you create a strong (literally) foundation. These four moves include the squat, deadlift, bench, and shoulder press. You can work on some of your body’s major muscle groups with these simple movements.
Another strategy involves using dumbbells and barbells. While the fancy machines in the gym may seem fun and enticing, mastering the foundational movements with free weights requires skill. Free-weight and bodyweight training are among the most effective and simplest exercises.
Lastly, maintain a log and track your progress. Even doing one more rep or lifting five more pounds counts as progress. These achievements will keep you motivated and make it easier to track your progress as you get stronger.
Tip adapted from Men’s Journal10
A 400-yard long promenade has an ornate brass bench every 100 yards on both sides, including ones at its beginning and end. So in total, how many benches are there along this promenade?
How do you spell “hard water” using only three letters?
Answer: Use the letters I-C-E.
Bison in winter
Yellowstone NP, WY, United States
Footnotes and Sources
1. WSJ.com, September 11, 2026
2. Investing.com, September 11, 2026
3. CNBC.com, September 8, 2026
4. CNBC.com, September 9, 2026
5. CNBC.com, September 9, 2026
6. WSJ.com, September 11, 2026
7. CNBC.com, September 10, 2026
8. WSJ.com, September 11, 2026
9. Theeverymom.com, July 21, 2026
10. Mensjournal.com, November 18, 2025