US markets end mostly in red on Friday

26 Oct 2024 Evaluate

The US markets ended mostly in red on Friday as treasury yields rebounded following yesterday's pullback amid lingering concerns the Federal Reserve will lower interest rates slower than previously anticipated. The Fed is still widely expected to lower rates by a quarter point next month, but CME Group's FedWatch Tool currently indicates a 24.0 percent chance the central bank will leave rates unchanged in December. While the tech-heavy Nasdaq added to yesterday's strong gain, the Dow extended its losing streak to five sessions.  The extended losing streak by the Dow came amid notable declines by shares of McDonald's (MCD), Dow Inc. (DOW) and Travelers (TRV). However, the Nasdaq reached a new record intraday high in early trading but gave back ground over the course of the session before ending the day up 103.12 points or 0.6 percent at 18,518.62.

On the economic data front, The Federal Reserve Bank of New York staff nowcast of U.S. GDP growth for the third and fourth quarters were lowered, citing negative surprises from recent economic data. The New York Fed Staff Nowcast for the third quarter was reduced to 2.9 percent from 3.0 percent estimated on October 18. The figure was lowered for a second time this month. The nowcast for the fourth quarter was cut to 2.5 percent from 2.6 percent. Meanwhile, consumer sentiment in the U.S. unexpectedly improved in the month of October, according to revised data released by the University of Michigan. The University of Michigan said its consumer sentiment index for October was upwardly revised to 70.5 from a preliminary reading of 68.9. Street had expected the index to be upwardly revised slightly to 69.0. With the bigger than expected upward revision, the consumer sentiment index is now modestly above the final September reading of 70.1. The consumer sentiment index has now increased for the third consecutive month, reaching its highest level since hitting 77.2 in April.

Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 259.96 points or 0.61 percent to 42,114.4 and S&P 500 was down by 1.74 points or 0.03 percent to 5,808.12, while Nasdaq gained 103.12 points or 0.56 percent to 18,518.61.


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