Stock Today: Nvidia Earnings, Bitcoin Resistance, Rising Treasury Yields and Oil Prices Shake Global Markets

Key Takeaways

Rising oil prices and Treasury yields pressured stocks and cryptocurrencies despite strong technology momentum.
Nvidia and Walmart earnings could become major catalysts for the next market move this week.
Bitcoin remains below its critical 200-day moving average as investors watch ETF flows, inflation, and U.S. legislation.

The stock market entered a critical week as investors prepared for major earnings reports from Nvidia and Walmart while broader financial markets struggled with rising Treasury yields, elevated oil prices, inflation fears, and geopolitical uncertainty. Dow Jones futures, along with S&P 500 and Nasdaq futures, were set to open Sunday evening after a mixed and volatile trading week that saw major indexes retreat on Friday despite earlier record highs in technology stocks. Although the S&P 500 and Nasdaq reached fresh all-time highs on Thursday, momentum weakened sharply by the end of the week as surging bond yields and higher energy prices pressured investor sentiment across equities and cryptocurrencies alike.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.2% during the week, while the S&P 500 edged slightly higher by 0.1%. The Nasdaq composite dipped 0.1% after giving back gains from its record-setting rally. Beneath the surface, however, weakness appeared more severe than the headline numbers suggested. Small-cap stocks experienced significant selling pressure, with the Russell 2000 plunging 2.4%, including its worst single-day decline of 2026 on Friday alone. Equal-weight market ETFs also weakened, signaling that gains were concentrated in a limited group of large-cap technology companies rather than broad participation across sectors.

One of the biggest forces driving volatility was the sharp rise in U.S. Treasury yields. The 10-year Treasury yield surged 23 basis points to 4.595%, marking its strongest close since February 2025 and reaching a 51-week intraday high. Investors increasingly worried that climbing oil prices could reignite inflation pressures globally, forcing central banks to maintain restrictive monetary policies for longer than expected. U.S. crude oil futures jumped 10.5% during the week to settle above $105 per barrel, while Brent crude traded near $109 amid escalating geopolitical tensions involving Iran and concerns surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts noted that oil prices above $100 historically increase inflation expectations, strengthen the U.S. dollar, and reduce liquidity flowing into higher-risk assets such as technology stocks and cryptocurrencies.

Attention now shifts heavily toward Nvidia’s upcoming earnings report, scheduled for Wednesday after market close. Analysts expect Nvidia to post another quarter of explosive growth despite increasingly difficult comparisons from previous years. Forecasts project earnings growth of approximately 82% and revenue growth near 73%, reinforcing Nvidia’s position at the center of the global artificial intelligence boom. Investors are especially focused on updates regarding supply constraints, future demand for AI infrastructure, and whether Nvidia’s next-generation Vera Rubin chips remain on track for production later this year. There is also growing attention on China-related revenue opportunities after reports suggested the U.S. government approved Nvidia H200 chip shipments to several Chinese companies. Nvidia shares fell 4.4% on Friday, ending a seven-session winning streak, but still finished the week up 4.7%, demonstrating the stock’s continued leadership role in the AI sector. Market participants widely believe Nvidia’s earnings and guidance could influence the entire AI ecosystem, including companies such as Broadcom and GE Vernova.

Broadcom continues attracting investor interest as one of the strongest AI infrastructure plays in the semiconductor industry. Shares ended the week slightly lower but remained near important technical buy points as traders evaluated whether the stock could resume its upward momentum after recent volatility. GE Vernova also stayed on investors’ watchlists following impressive earnings growth and strong technical support levels. Meanwhile, Sandisk remained one of the market’s standout performers despite a sharp weekly decline, with shares still holding massive gains accumulated during its seven-week rally. Analysts suggested that disciplined investors may consider taking partial profits after rapid advances while continuing to monitor the stock for new entry opportunities if support levels remain intact.

Retail giant Walmart is another key focus this week as investors await earnings results expected Thursday morning. Analysts forecast earnings-per-share growth of roughly 12% alongside steady sales growth near 6%. Walmart’s growing strength in e-commerce, digital advertising, and third-party marketplace services has helped the company outperform many traditional retailers facing slowing consumer demand. Although Walmart shares attempted a breakout above a key technical level before reversing lower on Friday, many analysts still view the company more favorably than competitors such as Target, TJX, and Home Depot. Investors are watching closely for signs about consumer spending trends, inflation-sensitive shoppers, and how higher borrowing costs are affecting retail activity across the U.S. economy.

At the same time, cryptocurrency markets remain closely tied to macroeconomic developments affecting stocks and bond markets. Bitcoin traded around $78,200 to $78,500 during the weekend, remaining roughly 5% below its crucial 200-day moving average near $82,300. Market analysts increasingly view the 200-day moving average as the dividing line between a recovering market and a confirmed long-term bull trend. Bitcoin has failed to close above that level since January, reflecting the broader uncertainty created by inflation, rising Treasury yields, and tightening monetary conditions.

Historical data shows Bitcoin has posted positive second-quarter performance in ten of the last fifteen years, but recent history reveals greater instability. According to market data cited by CryptoRank, Bitcoin recorded a positive Q2 return of approximately 29.9% in 2025 and was up 14.7% so far in 2026, but the cryptocurrency suffered steep losses in previous years including -12% in 2024, -56.6% in 2022, and -40.8% in 2021. Analysts compared current market conditions to earlier downturns triggered by China’s crypto mining ban, Tesla suspending Bitcoin payments, and the collapse of the Terra ecosystem, which erased nearly $50 billion in market value during 2022. However, many observers argue today’s environment differs because current pressure stems more from inflation fears, rising energy prices, geopolitical instability, and central bank policy rather than structural failures within the cryptocurrency industry itself.

Several catalysts could determine whether Bitcoin breaks above its 200-day moving average before the end of June. One of the most closely watched developments is the proposed CLARITY Act in the United States Senate. Supporters believe the legislation could significantly reduce regulatory uncertainty surrounding cryptocurrencies by clarifying rules related to custody, collateral treatment, and institutional exposure. Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott reportedly hopes to move the bill toward a Senate floor vote by June or July, while the White House has targeted a potential presidential signature before July 4. Analysts argue that successful passage of the legislation could encourage pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, and other major institutions to allocate larger amounts of capital into Bitcoin and digital assets.

Another major factor involves Bitcoin ETF flows. Spot Bitcoin ETFs recently recorded approximately $1 billion in weekly net outflows, breaking a six-week streak of positive inflows. Analysts described this reversal as especially important because it occurred while Bitcoin tested resistance near its 200-day moving average. Despite the recent setback, cumulative inflows into spot Bitcoin ETFs remain above $58 billion since launch, demonstrating continued long-term institutional interest in the asset class. Market strategists believe sustained ETF inflows remain essential if Bitcoin hopes to absorb selling pressure and establish a durable breakout above $82,300.

Oil prices may ultimately become one of the most important variables influencing both stock and cryptocurrency markets in the coming weeks. Analysts explained that if crude oil prices retreat toward $90 per barrel, inflation expectations could cool significantly, reducing pressure on the Federal Reserve to maintain aggressive monetary policies. Such a shift could weaken the U.S. dollar, improve liquidity conditions, and support risk assets ranging from technology stocks to cryptocurrencies. Conversely, if oil prices remain elevated above $100 and geopolitical tensions continue intensifying, investors may continue favoring defensive assets such as gold and energy stocks instead of speculative growth investments.

Despite the growing uncertainty, many investors continue searching for market leaders capable of outperforming during volatile conditions. Technology companies tied to artificial intelligence, semiconductor demand, energy infrastructure, and digital commerce remain among the strongest areas attracting institutional capital. At the same time, traders are becoming increasingly selective and cautious, balancing optimism surrounding innovation and earnings growth against concerns over inflation, central bank policy, and geopolitical instability. The coming week may prove especially important because earnings reports from Nvidia and Walmart, combined with movements in Treasury yields, oil prices, and Bitcoin, could shape market direction heading into the summer months.

Ultimately, today’s market environment reflects a financial system caught between powerful growth opportunities and equally powerful macroeconomic risks. Investors remain excited about artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and long-term innovation trends, yet rising inflation pressures and geopolitical tensions continue testing market confidence. Whether stocks and cryptocurrencies regain momentum or face further consolidation may depend less on short-term speculation and more on broader economic stability, institutional confidence, and the ability of global markets to adapt to rapidly changing conditions.

Key Points

Dow Jones, S&P 500, and Nasdaq ended the week mostly flat after Friday losses.
Treasury yields climbed to their highest close since February 2025.
Oil prices surged above $105 per barrel amid geopolitical tensions involving Iran.
Nvidia earnings are expected to heavily influence the AI and semiconductor sectors.
Walmart continues benefiting from e-commerce and advertising growth.
Bitcoin remains below its 200-day moving average near $82,300.
Analysts say ETF inflows, falling oil prices, and regulatory clarity could push Bitcoin higher.
Small-cap stocks and equal-weight ETFs showed underlying market weakness.
Broadcom and GE Vernova remain among the strongest stocks to watch.
Investors are balancing optimism in AI with concerns over inflation and monetary policy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why are stock markets under pressure right now?

Markets are facing pressure mainly because of rising Treasury yields, high oil prices, inflation concerns, and geopolitical tensions involving Iran and global energy supplies.

Why is Nvidia earnings report so important?

Nvidia is considered one of the most influential AI companies in the market. Its earnings and future guidance could affect semiconductor stocks, AI-related companies, and overall market sentiment.

What is the significance of Bitcoin’s 200-day moving average?

The 200-day moving average near $82,300 is viewed as a major technical resistance level. A sustained move above it could signal a stronger long-term bullish trend.

What could help Bitcoin rise above $82,300?

Analysts point to three main catalysts: approval progress for the CLARITY Act, renewed Bitcoin ETF inflows, and falling oil prices that reduce inflation concerns.

Why are oil prices affecting stocks and cryptocurrencies?

Higher oil prices can increase inflation and push central banks toward stricter monetary policies, which often reduce investor appetite for riskier assets like tech stocks and cryptocurrencies.

Sources

Investors Business Daily – Market analysis covering Dow Jones futures, Nvidia earnings, Walmart earnings, Treasury yields, ETFs, and stock market performance
https://www.investors.com/market-trend/stock-market-today/dow-jones-futures-sp500-nasdaq-nvidia-walmart-earnings/
247WallSt – Bitcoin price analysis, 200-day moving average discussion, ETF flows, Q2 historical returns, and CLARITY Act outlook
https://247wallst.com/investing/2026/05/17/bitcoin-price-why-btc-cant-close-above-the-200-day-ma-and-what-breaks-it/

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