7-20-26 Markets Test Support as Volatility Stirs | Before the Bell

Weekend fears over Iran, higher oil prices, and falling markets are fading fast as futures turn positive and crude oil pulls back. But the bigger story is happening beneath the surface. The S&P 500 is testing key support after slipping below its 50-day moving average, while the VIX remains unusually subdued despite rising geopolitical tensions and the start of a critical earnings week. Will this be another brief shakeout like June, or is a larger pullback developing? Lance Roberts examines the technical setup, why the next couple of trading sessions matter, what the VIX is signaling, how oil prices could influence market sentiment, and why disciplined risk management remains essential as earnings season accelerates. Hosted by RIA Chief Investment Strategist, Lance Roberts, CIO Produced by Brent Clanton, Executive Producer --- Watch the Video version of this report on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/tdipv_cxBQ4 --- Get more info & commentary: https://realinvestmentadvice.com/insights/real-investment-daily/ --- Do you enjoy our content? Rate us on Google: https://bit.ly/4b9JtEo --- * REGISTER for our next Dynamic Learning Series, "Savvy Social Security Planning: More Income, Less Worry," Thursday, August 6, 2026: https://streamyard.com/watch/tQ3PS8hd64mt --- Visit our Site: https://www.realinvestmentadvice.com Contact Us: 1-855-RIA-PLAN --- Subscribe to SimpleVisor : https://www.simplevisor.com/register-new --- Connect with us on social: https://twitter.com/RealInvAdvice https://twitter.com/LanceRoberts https://www.facebook.com/RealInvestmentAdvice/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/realinvestmentadvice/ #StockMarket #SP500 #VIX #EarningsSeason #RiskManagement