📊 Daily Market Pulse

U.S. equities retreated modestly today, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 each declining roughly 0.3% while the Dow held nearly flat, reflecting cautious sentiment despite stable economic data. The Fear & Greed Index sits firmly in fear territory at 33, though the VIX remains contained at 19.01, suggesting anxiety without acute panic. Bitcoin bucked the equity weakness with a 1.2% gain, while crude oil edged higher on modest demand signals and gold held steady near all-time highs as investors balance inflation concerns—CPI at 3.32% and unemployment at 4.30%—against yield pressure from 10-year Treasuries at 4.27%.

Watch today: Monitor whether the 10-year Treasury yield holds above 4.27% into the close; a sustained break higher could pressure equities further and signal renewed inflation fears, especially with CPI still elevated. Watch crypto strength—Bitcoin's outperformance while equities weaken may indicate flight to alternative assets if risk sentiment deteriorates.