Dow Jones Top Markets Headlines at 7 PM ET: Oil Prices Sink as U.S. Midterms Raise Market Hopes for Middle East Solution | The ...

Oil Prices Sink as U.S. Midterms Raise Market Hopes for Middle East Solution

Oil futures sank to two-month lows after the Democratic sweep of Congress in the U.S. midterm elections raised market expectations for a quick resolution to the conflict in the Middle East, and eased concerns of a possible U.S. military escalation.

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The Blue Wave Sets Off a Potential Regime Change in Markets

U.S. stock indexes surged on hope that legislative gridlock, an AI slowdown and checks on presidential power will mark the start of a new era for the economy.

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U.S. Services-Sector Activity Expands Again in October

The Institute for Supply Management's purchasing managers index for services providers was 54.5 in October, compared with 54.9 in September. Economists polled by The Wall Street Journal expected a reading of 54.8.

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U.S. Treasury Keeps Coupon Auction Sizes Unchanged

The U.S. Treasury said Wednesday that it plans to keep long-term borrowing levels unchanged in coming months.

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Canada's Trade Surplus Widens as Oil, Gold Drive Record Exports

The widening to C$5.35 billion in September marked the the biggest surplus in over four years as exports hit a fresh record high.

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U.S. Crude Oil Stockpiles Post Fifth Straight Weekly Drop

Commercial crude oil stocks fell by 865,000 barrels, while distillate stocks fell to their lowest level in more than two decades, the EIA said.

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Private-Sector Hiring Remained Solid in October

Private companies added a net 86,000 jobs in October, ADP said. Economists polled expected 75,000 new private-sector jobs.

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U.S. Trade Deficit Contracted in September

Imports were higher than exports by $105 billion, down 0.7% from August, in contrast to economists' expectations for the trade gap to widen.

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Brazil's Central Bank Stops Easing Cycle as Inflation Remains High

Brazil's central bank held its steep interest rates unchanged after five consecutive cuts as inflation drifted away from target amid growing concern around government spending.

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Eurozone Inflation Rises to 4%, Driven by Energy Costs

Inflation in the eurozone reached double the European Central Bank's target in October as energy costs continued to rise.

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Trump Acknowledges Iran War Is Partly to Blame for Republican Losses

"Iran was a piece of it," the president said in a WSJ interview, adding that he doesn't regret launching the war.

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Sweden's Central Bank Latest to Lift Rates in Response to War

Sweden's central bank raised its key interest rate for the first time since the start of the war between the U.S. and Iran, and signaled that more increases in borrowing costs were likely.

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

November 04, 2026 19:15 ET (00:15 GMT)