Market Overview#
U.S. stock markets closed lower on Friday, with significant declines in the Utilities, Technology, and Basic Materials sectors. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 0.97%, reaching a three-month low. The S&P 500 index fell by 1.51%, while the NASDAQ Composite index experienced a decline of 2.01%.
Notable Performers#
Among the Dow's biggest gainers were: - Verizon Communications Inc (NYSE:VZ): Up 1.09%, closing at $50.02. - Visa Inc Class A (NYSE:V): Increased by 0.69%, ending at $301.78. - Goldman Sachs Group Inc (NYSE:GS): Rose 0.52%, closing at $813.74.
In contrast, the biggest losers included: - International Business Machines (NYSE:IBM): Down 3.43%, closing at $241.77. - Honeywell International Inc (NASDAQ:HON): Fell 3.27%, ending at $221.55. - NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA): Decreased by 3.11%, closing at $173.00.
Sector Performance#
On the S&P 500, top performers were: - Marsh & McLennan Companies Inc (NYSE:MRSH): Up 3.29%, closing at $176.54. - APA Corporation (NASDAQ:APA): Increased by 2.76%, ending at $39.11. - Aon PLC (NYSE:AON): Rose 2.73%, closing at $325.63.
However, the worst performers included: - Super Micro Computer Inc (NASDAQ:SMCI): Down 33.32%, closing at $20.53. - Vistra Energy Corp (NYSE:VST): Fell 12.76%, ending at $146.02. - Constellation Energy Corp (NASDAQ:CEG): Decreased by 10.87%, closing at $282.06.
Trading Activity#
Overall, declining stocks outnumbered rising ones significantly. On the NYSE, 2,318 stocks fell compared to 462 that rose, while 38 remained unchanged. On the NASDAQ, 2,469 stocks declined, 929 advanced, and 151 were unchanged.
The CBOE Volatility Index, which indicates market volatility expectations, rose by 11.22% to 26.76. In commodities, Gold Futures for April delivery fell by 2.18% to $4,505.40 per troy ounce, while Crude Oil prices increased, with May delivery rising 2.42% to $97.86 per barrel.