Market Midday: Stocks Mixed, US Debt Hits $40T, US-Iran War Continues • 8/17/26

Summary

CNBC Business News Update covers mixed midday markets, with the Dow and S&P 500 lower while the Nasdaq edges up and the 10-year yield rises above 4.7% as US debt hits $40 trillion. Geopolitical risk dominates as the US-Iran MOU expires, Strait of Hormuz shipping halts, and US crude holds near $83. Low Rhine water levels disrupt river cruises and German shipping, while OpenAI's president downplays executive turnover and Sony's Spider-Man film passes $2 billion.

• Dow down 139 points led by Nike; S&P 500 down 11; Nasdaq up 13.
• 10-year Treasury yield above 4.7%; US national debt clock hits $40 trillion.
• US-Iran war continues, MOU expired, Strait of Hormuz shipping halted; US crude near $83.
• National average gasoline above $4.46 as Trump asks Americans to accept higher prices.
• OpenAI's Greg Brockman says executive turnover is not atypical.
• Low Rhine water levels force river cruise changes; Viking shares called to watch.
• Rhine disruptions raise transport costs, affecting German chemical supply and GDP.
• Sony's Spider-Man Brand New Day grosses $2 billion after three weekends.