US Stocks Mixed as Investors Await PCE Data; Iran Talks Ease Oil Concerns

U.S. equities showed mixed performance on Monday, June 22, 2026, as investors assessed progress in U.S.-Iran nuclear talks and awaited key inflation data. Diplomatic breakthroughs on the Strait of Hormuz and IAEA inspections eased Middle East tensions, causing international oil prices to decline. However, market participants remained cautious, focusing on the upcoming U.S. Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index for clues on Federal Reserve interest rate policy. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) rose nearly 0.4%, while the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) was up 0.01% and the S&P 500 (SPX) gained 0.30% in early trading. Brent crude futures dropped approximately 2.5%, falling below $79 per barrel. Bond yields increased as investors adjusted positions ahead of the PCE data, scheduled for release on Thursday, June 25, 2026, and remarks from Fed Governor Christopher Waller. Getty Images (GETY) shares surged over 100% pre-market on an OpenAI partnership, while Alphabet (GOOGL) declined 3.26% amid AI talent departures.