Market Close: Stocks Lower, Small Caps Rise, OpenAI Talent Exodus • 8/14/26

• Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq closed lower, while the Russell 2000 index of smaller companies rose.
• Retail sales for July were disappointing, dropping 0.6%, and consumer sentiment remains weak.
• OpenAI is facing a 'talent exodus' ahead of an anticipated IPO, raising 'red flags' for investors.
• Oil prices rose over 1% as the US threatened economic isolation of Iran; US crude is above $82/barrel.
• Mortgage rates remain near 7%, with the national average for a 30-year home loan at 6.71%.

Major US stock averages were mostly down on Friday, with the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq closing in the red, while small-cap Russell 2000 rose. Economic data showed disappointing retail sales and weak consumer sentiment. Oil prices increased, and mortgage rates remained high. OpenAI is experiencing a talent exodus, raising investor concerns, while Disney's theme parks reported strong performance.