US stock markets today (March 18, 2026): Dow, S&P 500 fall as oil surge stokes inflation fears
US equities edged lower in early trade on Wednesday as a fresh surge in crude oil prices reignited worries about inflation and dampened investor sentiment ahead of the Federal Reserve’s policy decision.The S&P 500 fell 0.3 per cent and was on course for its first decline this week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 180…
