The S&P 500 and Nasdaq have largely stalled over the last several weeks, retreating from the aggressive growth trends that defined the earlier part of the year. Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, coupled with rising oil prices and mounting competitive pressure from new Chinese artificial intelligence models, have successfully cooled the previously high investor sentiment.

Energy markets remain a point of concern as Brent crude futures hit their highest settlement since mid-June on Monday following renewed combat in the Middle East. While Tuesday’s early gains for the Nasdaq provide a positive opening, traders remain cautious; the index previously attempted a similar rally on Monday before surrendering those gains by the closing bell.