On US stock exchanges, sellers were in the majority as the week concluded. The Dow closed weaker, falling by 0.2 percent to 53,732 points. The Nasdaq, which tracks the 100 most important stocks on the technology exchange, also ended the trading day slightly lower, down 0.1 percent at 30,046 points, while the broader S&P 500 was similarly valued at 7,786 points, representing a 0.2 percent decrease.
Investor concerns were fueled by new data concerning consumer confidence and retail sales. Although fears of an imminent interest rate hike by the Federal Reserve eased in recent days, investors were unwilling to accept a slowdown in the US economy.
Simultaneously, US bonds experienced a decline, while oil prices climbed after the United States announced new measures against Iran. Brent crude, a barrel from the North Sea type, cost approximately 88.60 US dollars late Friday evening (German time), an increase of 1.8 percent compared to the previous day’s close.
Adding to the attention on Friday were reports surrounding PayPal. There is speculation that a potential sale might take place to a group that includes Stripe and private equity firm Advent International. These two companies had previously offered 60.50 US dollars per PayPal share back in July, an offer PayPal had rejected as insufficient. It now appears that negotiations are restarting.
Gold prices were able to gain slightly on Friday. By evening, a fine ounce was trading at 4,374 US dollars (+0.5 percent), which translates to a price of 121.55 euros per gram.
The European community currency was stronger on Friday evening: one euro cost 1.1568 US dollars, meaning that a dollar could be acquired for 0.8645 euros.
