Oil Rally and AI Funding Concerns Weigh on Stocks

Stock markets ended a volatile week with mixed results, as rising oil prices tied to Middle East conflict and concerns over AI infrastructure funding weighed on investor sentiment. The week saw a broad sell-off widen, driven by escalating crude costs and persistent questions about how companies will finance artificial intelligence projects. These factors kept major indices in check despite some gains. Next week, the Federal Reserve will determine interest rate direction, while about one-third of S&P 500 companies are scheduled to report earnings, adding further market uncertainty.