US Markets Show Mixed Performance Amid Consumer Sentiment Decline
US stock markets closed with a mixed performance on Friday, reflecting a complex economic landscape. The Dow Jones Industrial Average concluded the trading day at 34,834 points, marking a 0.6% decrease compared to the previous session.
Earlier in the day, the broader S&P 100 edged slightly lower, reaching approximately 4,584 points. In contrast, the technology-focused Nasdaq 100 saw a modest rise, closing at around 19,092 points and registering a 0.4% gain.
A University of Michigan survey released early in the week revealed an unexpected and significant drop in US consumer sentiment, beginning in September. The decline in perceived economic prospects was particularly noticeable among consumers with lower and middle incomes. Inflation expectations for the coming year remained unchanged from August, holding steady at 4.8%.
The Euro traded nearly unchanged against the US dollar on Friday evening. One Euro was valued at $1.1735, while one US dollar fetched €0.8522.
Precious metals saw positive movement as the price of gold increased. Gold was trading at $3,644 per fine ounce (+0.3%), equivalent to €99.84 per gram.
Oil prices also experienced an uptick. Brent North Sea crude fetched $66.83 per barrel on Friday evening, representing a rise of 46 cents or 0.7% compared to the previous day’s closing price.
