US Stocks Decline as Oil Prices Surge and Darden Misses Earnings

Key Facts

1Major U.S. indices declined with the Dow falling 0.7% and the Nasdaq dropping 0.7%.

2Crude oil prices jumped 4.4%, impacting broader market sentiment.

3Darden Restaurants reported earnings that missed analyst estimates.

Amid mounting pressure from the energy sector, U.S. equity markets closed lower on Thursday. According to reports, the Dow Jones Industrial Average declined by 0.7%, while the Nasdaq Composite also dropped 0.7%. This downturn was primarily driven by a sharp 4.4% spike in crude oil prices and disappointing financial results from Darden Restaurants, which missed analyst estimates.

These movements reflect growing market caution regarding high energy costs and their impact on consumer-facing corporate margins. Per market data, NDAQ shares closed at $95.44 (close September 23, 2026), having traded between a day low of $94.09 and a high of $96.76 in the preceding session. This broader market weakness offset a massive 163% surge in APUS shares.

Traders should watch NDAQ price action around the established range of $94.09 to $96.76. With no major upcoming catalysts listed in the immediate economic calendar, market sentiment is expected to remain sensitive to oil price volatility and ongoing corporate earnings reports.