US stock market today: Dow Jones, S&P 500, Nasdaq edge higher as fed hints at july rate cut and oil prices pull back after iran strike

US stocks edged higher on Monday as investors reacted to a mix of falling oil prices, global conflict fears, and new signs that the Federal Reserve might cut interest rates as early as July. The stock market opened in the red after President Donald Trump confirmed a military strike on Iran’s nuclear sites, but by midday, things turned around — thanks to a key Fed official signaling a more flexible monetary approach ahead.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI) rose 0.1%, the S&P 500 (^GSPC) gained 0.3%, and the Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC) led the pack with a 0.4% jump. As of 11:52 a.m. EDT, the Nasdaq was at 19,534.85, up 87.44 points.

Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed nearly 200 points. Investors took in a whirlwind of headlines—from fresh US military strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities to fluctuating oil prices and global economic warnings. Despite rising geopolitical risks, oil reversed its early gains, and major US stock indices showed resilience.

US Stock Market Overview (June 23, 2025)

• Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI): +0.1%
• S&P 500 (^GSPC): +0.3%
• Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC): +0.4%
  • Current Nasdaq level: 19,534.85 (+87.44 points) as of 11:52 a.m. EDT

Why did US stocks recover after a shaky start?

The story began with tension in the Middle East. Over the weekend, President Trump announced that the US had bombed three of Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities, claiming they were “totally obliterated.” This move came after Israel’s recent military actions, pulling the US deeper into the region’s ongoing conflict. Investors were initially spooked. The big fear? That Iran might retaliate by closing the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route for around 20% of the world’s oil supply. That could push global energy prices even higher and hurt the global economy.
But those fears calmed down on Monday. While Iran’s parliament voted to support blocking the Strait, top leaders haven’t made an official move. That uncertainty gave investors some breathing room, and the focus quickly shifted to the Federal Reserve’s next steps.

Is the Federal Reserve really thinking about cutting rates soon?

Yes — and that’s what gave the market a boost.
Michelle Bowman, a governor at the Federal Reserve, said in a speech Monday that the Fed might be ready to cut interest rates “as soon as July.” She’s the second top official in recent days to say that openly.

Bowman pointed to several reasons for a rate cut:

• Inflation is cooling: Prices have been either falling or rising slower than expected.
• Spending is weakening: Consumer spending, a big part of the US economy, is starting to soften.
• Jobs market is looking fragile: There are signs that employment growth is losing steam.

If the Fed lowers rates, borrowing becomes cheaper. That’s good news for businesses and people with loans — and it often gives the stock market a lift.

How are oil prices and energy markets reacting to the Iran conflict?

Right after Trump’s announcement, oil futures jumped more than 4% on fears of supply disruption. But on Monday, those prices started to come down again:

• Brent crude (BZ=F) hovered just above $76 per barrel
• WTI crude (CL=F) settled near $73, after falling more than 1% by midday

President Trump also stepped in to try to control the energy narrative. On social media, he posted:

“EVERYONE, KEEP OIL PRICES DOWN. I’M WATCHING! YOU’RE PLAYING RIGHT INTO THE HANDS OF THE ENEMY. DON’T DO IT!”
He added:
“To The Department of Energy: DRILL, BABY, DRILL!!! And I mean NOW!!!”

The message was loud and clear: Trump wants more oil supply — and lower energy prices — heading into an uncertain summer.

Oil Market Reaction

• Oil futures spiked over +4% Sunday night after bombings
• Prices eased on Monday amid doubt about Iran’s retaliation:
  • Brent crude (BZ=F): trading above $76/barrel
  • WTI crude (CL=F): around $73.39/barrel, down over 1%
• President Trump’s on social media:
  

  “EVERYONE, KEEP OIL PRICES DOWN. I’M WATCHING!”
  “To The Department of Energy: DRILL, BABY, DRILL!!! And I mean NOW!!!”

What else is happening in the markets right now?

There are a few more key moves and stories developing:

• Gold prices (GC=F) nudged higher as investors stayed cautious. Gold often acts as a safe haven during global unrest.
• In the real estate world, Compass (COMP) filed a major antitrust lawsuit against Zillow (Z, ZG) in New York. Compass accused Zillow of blocking semi-private listings in a way that “harms competition” and forces home sellers onto Zillow’s platform, where the company earns money selling leads.

According to the lawsuit:

“The Zillow Ban is designed to make it hard, indeed nearly impossible, for home sellers to sell their home outside of Zillow.”

This case could reshape how home listings are shared online, and it marks a sharp escalation in the rivalry between these two companies.

Real Estate News – Compass vs Zillow

• Compass (COMP) filed a lawsuit against Zillow (Z, ZG) in New York
  • Allegation: Zillow’s ban on privately marketed listings is anti-competitive
  • Compass claims Zillow is:
    

    “Eliminating a new and innovative business model”
    “Forcing all listings onto Zillow’s platform” for lead generation profit

Other Market Highlights

• Gold (GC=F) prices ticked higher as investors sought safety
• Investor sentiment remains cautious due to:
  • Geopolitical risks
  • Energy supply concerns
  • Uncertainty around monetary policy

What’s next for US stocks?

With geopolitical tensions, Fed policy decisions, and commodity prices all in play, investors are in a wait-and-watch mode.

For now, the focus is split:

• What will Iran do next?
• Will the Fed actually cut rates in July?
• Could another surprise from Trump or oil markets change the mood again?

One thing’s for sure — the market is on edge. But for now, investors are leaning on hopes of a Fed rate cut and signs that the Middle East tensions haven’t spun out of control just yet.

FAQs

What is the Dow Jones doing today after the Iran strike news?
Dow Jones edged up 0.1% as tensions eased and Fed rate cut hopes grew.

Will the Fed cut rates in July 2025?
Fed Governor Michelle Bowman signaled support for a July rate cut.