Post-Market Recap — Thursday, August 6, 2026

U.S. stocks finished slightly lower ahead of Friday’s employment report. The Dow fell about 0.7%, the S&P 500 slipped roughly 0.2%, and the Nasdaq ended near unchanged as weakness in software, data-storage and selected technology shares offset pockets of strength elsewhere. Western Digital, Sandisk, AppLovin and Datadog declined following earnings or outlook updates, while SpaceX gained despite the expiration of its IPO lockup.

Oil was the day’s biggest macro influence. U.S. crude rose more than 3% and Brent gained over 4% after reports that Iran may restrict vessels from “hostile” countries in the Strait of Hormuz. The proposal has not become policy, but it revived supply and inflation concerns. The 10-year Treasury yield rose toward 4.67%, the dollar strengthened, and gold reversed an early gain to finish modestly lower.

Economic data remained consistent with a relatively stable labor market. Initial jobless claims edged up to 199,000, layoffs fell to a two-year low, and second-quarter productivity rose a stronger-than-expected 1.4%, helping contain unit labor-cost growth.

What traders should watch next: Friday’s July payroll report, unemployment rate and wage growth, along with any further Strait of Hormuz developments. Strong employment data or another jump in oil could reinforce expectations that the Federal Reserve may raise rates later this year.