US Stock Market Trends (September 21): Bitcoin Returns to $80,000, Middle East Tensions Heat Up Again Over the Weekend,…

This week, US stocks will simultaneously face three variables: high interest rates, high oil prices, and policy changes.

Written by: Trend Research

Last week, US stocks concluded with divergence amid post-rate-hike volatility. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 1.7% for the week, marking its largest weekly decline since March, while the Nasdaq rose 0.7%, with chipmakers and AI hardware continuing to outperform the broader market. Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East flared up over the weekend, as Houthi forces attacked Riyadh and the US and Iran exchanged strong signals. Oil prices reclaimed $101 on Monday; meanwhile, high-level US-China talks were held in New York focusing on AI, tariffs, and critical minerals. This week, US equities will face a triple variable of high interest rates, elevated oil prices, and policy shifts.

Chip Stocks Rally for Fourth Consecutive Day, Philadelphia Semiconductor Index Outperforms Broader Market for the Week

The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index rose 2.78% to 11,921.69 points on Friday, rallying for a fourth straight trading day. SanDisk gained approximately 11%, Lumentum advanced more than 4%, and chip equipment stocks continued to show strength.