https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/nasdaq-ends-sharply-lower-as-hot-inflation-data-stirs-rate-hike-worriesContinuously updated, source-cited coverage. https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/nasdaq-ends-sharply-lower-as-hot-inflation-data-stirs-rate-hike-worrieshttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/nasdaq-ends-sharply-lower-as-hot-inflation-data-stirs-rate-hike-worries#u131835Sun, 18 Oct 2026 12:46:06 +0000The Nasdaq closed sharply lower as hotter-than-expected inflation reports stirred new concerns over potential Federal Reserve interest rate hikes. Surging energy and gas prices pushed the consumer price index to 3.7 percent in September, exceeding forecasts and sending American equities into their worst sell-off since July. Artificial intelligence stocks and chipmakers led the market retreat, deepening a broader rout across major indexes.Why it mattersThe sharp drop in equity markets highlights investor sensitivity to persistent price pressures and monetary policy shifts ahead of midterm elect