U.S. Stocks Decline Amid AI Spending Jitters and Federal Reserve Rate Hike Speculation

U.S. equity markets concluded the week with a downturn, particularly the Nasdaq, as investors reacted to uncertainties surrounding AI spending and current valuations. Concerns about potential future interest rate hikes, including a signal from a Federal Reserve official about 2026, also contributed to the market's decline. Separately, crude oil prices fell following the resumption of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, while gold and Bitcoin saw gains.