US markets end mostly higher on Friday

23 May 2020 Evaluate

The US markets ended mostly higher on Friday as investor optimism over the lifting of lockdowns and prospects for a COVID-19 vaccine provided a lift. Meanwhile, traders seemed reluctant to make more significant moves as they digested the volatility seen over the past few sessions. However, Concerns about rising tensions between the US and China kept traders on the sidelines, as Beijing moved to strengthen control over Hong Kong with new security laws. US President Donald Trump warned that Washington would react very strongly if China follows through on its plans.

The latest developments come after the Senate passed a bill that would potentially delist Chinese stocks from US exchanges. The upcoming Memorial Day holiday also contributed to the light trading, with some traders looking to get a head start on the long weekend. Besides, most of the major sectors ended the day showing only modest moves, although oil service stocks showed a significant move to the downside. Reflecting the weakness in the sector, the Philadelphia Oil Service Index tumbled by 2.1 percent.

Nasdaq added 39.71 points or 0.43 percent to 9,324.59 and S&P 500 was up by 6.94 points or 0.24 percent to 2,955.45, while Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 8.96 points or 0.04 percent to 24,465.16.

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