US stocks opened sharply lower on Friday, May 15, 2026. The S&P 500 fell approximately 1.05% at the open, erasing about $790 billion in market value. The Nasdaq declined 1.4% and the Russell 2000 dropped 1.59%.

Nvidia ($NVDA) was among the weakest performers, falling 3.6% at the open — its largest single-day decline since April 30. The selloff comes amid ongoing concerns over rising bond yields and potential cooling in the AI and technology momentum trade.

What’s Moving Markets

The coming week is packed with major earnings reports. Companies scheduled to report include Nvidia, Home Depot, Walmart, Deere, Target, Lowe’s, TJX, and Take-Two. Investors will be watching closely for signs of whether the AI-driven rally still has legs or if a broader pullback is underway.

At the same time, the 30-year Treasury yield crossed above 5.1% — the highest level in roughly a year. Elevated bond-market volatility remains a key risk factor for equities.

The Bottom Line

The session began on a cautious note. The broad-based weakness, especially in technology names, reflects growing investor anxiety ahead of a heavy earnings week. Markets will now wait to see whether today’s declines represent a healthy technical correction or the start of a more sustained pullback.