US markets settle mostly higher on Monday

31 Aug 2021 Evaluate

The US markets ended mostly higher on Monday as traders remained optimistic about the outlook for the markets even though the Federal Reserve has signaled it plans to begin scaling back its asset purchases later this year. The Fed's asset purchase program has helped prop up stocks throughout much of the coronavirus pandemic, but traders seem to believe the strength of the economy will provide continued support. Fed Chair Jerome Powell's comments last Friday suggesting interest rate hikes remain a long way off have also increased the appeal of stocks.

Besides, computer hardware stocks showed a strong move to the upside, contributing to the advance by the tech-heavy Nasdaq, with the NYSE Arca Computer Hardware Index climbing by 1.5 percent. Retail, commercial real estate and software stocks also moved notably higher on the day. On the other hand, airline stocks moved sharply lower, dragging the NYSE Arca Airline Index down by 2.7 percent. Oil service, banking and gold stocks also moved to the downside, limiting the upside for the broader markets.

Nasdaq gained 136.39 points or 0.9 percent to 15,265.89 and S&P 500 was up by 19.42 points or 0.43 percent to 4,528.79, while Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 55.96 points or 0.16 percent to 35,399.84.


© 2026 The Alchemists Ark Pvt. Ltd. All rights reserved. MoneyWorks4Me ® is a registered trademark of The Alchemists Ark Pvt. Ltd.

×