US equity markets experienced a downturn on Friday, concluding a week of fluctuating investor sentiment. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed at 44,372 points, marking a 0.6 percent decrease from the previous trading day.
The broader S&P 500 index registered a 0.3 percent decline, reaching approximately 6,255 points, while the Nasdaq 100 registered around 22,781 points, down 0.2 percent at the close.
Trading was notably influenced by announcements regarding US trade policy. President Donald Trump, via his social media platform, declared a 35 percent tariff on Canadian goods. Furthermore, in a television interview, he indicated a consideration to double the current 10 percent tariff rate applied to most trade partners.
The euro weakened slightly against the US dollar, trading at $1.1688, with the dollar fetching €0.8556.
Gold prices saw a positive performance, reaching $3,356 per fine ounce (+1.0 percent), equivalent to €92.32 per gram.
Crude oil prices demonstrated a marked increase. Brent crude, a North Sea variety, closed at $70.59 per barrel, representing a 2.8 percent gain compared to the close of the prior trading day.
