Major U.S. stock indexes finished the week lower, driven in part by some hawkish commentary from Federal Reserve officials that seemed to dampen investor optimism around the pace of further interest rate cuts. The Nasdaq Composite fared worst, falling 0.65%, followed by the Russell 2000 Index, which registered its first weekly loss since early August. The S&P 500 Index also fell, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average was little changed. Within the S&P 500, the energy sector rallied, advancing alongside oil prices in response to President Donald Trump’s call for European Union nations to end purchases of Russian oil and gas. Most other sectors declined. The closely watched core personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index rose 2.9% yoy, in line with July and consensus expectations. The BEA also released its third estimate of gross domestic product (GDP) growth for the second quarter, which indicated that the U.S. economy expanded at an annual rate of 3.8%, an increase from the prior estimate of 3.3%. Higher consumer spending was the primary driver of the upward revision. U.S. Treasuries generated negative returns, with short- and intermediate-term yields increasing and long-term yields ending little changed. The pan-European STOXX Europe 600 Index was flat, as investors assessed interest rate policies and renewed trade jitters weighed on sentiment. Mainland Chinese stock markets recorded a weekly gain. The dollar firmed, precious metals surged while cryptos dumped.
Have a great week-end
Charles for the team