US markets end lower on Friday

31 Dec 2022 Evaluate

The US markets ended lower on Friday but staged a notable recovery attempt going into the close. Initially, markets were down as some traders looked to cash in on Thursday's strong gains, which largely reflected a substantial rebound by technology stocks. Lingering concerns about the economic outlook also continued to weigh on Wall Street amid worries further interest rate hikes will lead to a recession in the New Year. The late-day recovery attempt may have reflected window-dressing going into the end of the year.

On the economic data front, a report released by MNI Indicators showed a bigger than expected slowdown in the pace of contraction in Chicago-area business activity in the month of December. MNI Indicators said its Chicago business barometer climbed to 44.9 in December from 37.2 in November, although a reading below 50 still indicates a contraction. Street had expected the index to rise to 41.2. The bigger than expected rebound came after the Chicago business barometer fell to its lowest reading since the 2008/09 global financial crisis, excluding the 2020 pandemic shock.

On the sectoral front, Most of the major sectors ended the day showing only modest moves, although notable weakness remained visible among utilities stocks, with the Dow Jones Utilities Average falling by 1.1 percent. Commercial real estate, transportation and chemical stocks also moved to the downside on the day, while some strength emerged among energy stocks. Traders are eyeing the Labor Department's closely watched monthly jobs report in the next week, following another long holiday weekend. Investors will also keep an eye on reports on manufacturing and service sector activity.

Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 73.55 points or 0.22 percent to 33,147.25, Nasdaq fell 11.60 points or 0.11 percent to 10,466.48 and S&P 500 was down by 9.78 points or 0.25 percent to 3,839.50.

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

×