US markets end lower on Wednesday

18 Apr 2024 Evaluate

The US Markets ended lower on Wednesday. Weakness among technology stocks weighed on the markets, as reflected by the notable slump by the tech-heavy Nasdaq. Shares of Nvidia (NVDA) came under pressure as the day progressed, with the AI darling plunging by 3.9 percent to its lowest closing level in well a month. The drop by Nvidia came as semiconductor stocks broadly came under pressure following disappointing first quarter sales by Dutch chip equipment maker ASML (ASML). Reflecting the weakness in the sector, the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index dove by 3.3 percent to a nearly two-month closing low. Besides, traders were cautious amid ongoing concerns about the outlook for interest rates following Tuesday's remarks by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.

Powell suggested rates are likely to remain higher for longer amid a lack of progress toward reaching the central bank's inflation goal. The Fed chief's remarks came as recent data showing sticky inflation along with continued economic strength have led to reduced expectations of a rate cut in June. According to private report, the chances of a 25 basis point rate cut in June have tumbled to 16.4 percent compared to 55.2 percent just a week ago.

Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 45.66 points or 0.12 percent to 37,753.31, Nasdaq fell 181.88 points or 1.15 percent to 15,683.37 and S&P 500 was down by 29.2 points or 0.58 percent to 5,022.21.


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