US markets end higher on Friday

21 Aug 2021 Evaluate

The US markets ended higher on Friday, with notable gains, driven by strength in tech stocks, although concerns over a slowing economic recovery and the possible tapering of stimulus capped upside. With the upward move on the day, stocks did regain ground following the sharp pullback seen during trading on Tuesday and Wednesday. The major averages fell to their lowest levels in almost a month amid concerns about the outlook for monetary policy following the release of the minutes of the latest Federal Reserve meeting. The Fed minutes indicated most officials were in favor of beginning to scale back the central bank's asset purchase program later this year. Uncertainty about the outlook for monetary policy may lead traders to keep a close eye on upcoming economic data ahead of the Fed's next meeting in September.

Technology stocks helped to lead the way higher during trading on Friday, as reflected by the notable advance by the tech-heavy Nasdaq. Significant strength was visible among biotechnology stocks, as reflected by the 1.9 percent jump by the NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index. Software stocks also showed a substantial move to the upside, driving the Dow Jones U.S. Software Index up by 1.9 percent to a record closing high. Computer hardware, housing and brokerage stocks also saw notable strength on the day, moving higher along with most of the other major sectors. Meanwhile, traders are looking ahead to the reports on new and existing home sales, durable goods orders and personal income and spending.

Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 225.96 points or 0.65 percent to 35,120.08, Nasdaq rose 172.88 points or 1.19 percent to 14,714.66 and S&P 500 was up by 35.87 points or 0.81 percent to 4,441.67.

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