Dow Jones Industrial Average ends Friday on the low side of 39,500, sheds 300 points on the day


  • Dow Jones trims recent gains as US equities churn.
  • DJIA eases back after failing to capture 39,900.00
  • Markets hit a wide range heading into the Friday close.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) was forced  into the low side around three-quarters a percent as US equities drifted in multiple directions on Friday. US markets are running the gamut to wrap up the trading week, with the DJIA testing down, the NASDAQ Composite lifting around a sixth of a percent on the day and the S&P 500 stumbling around a sixth of a percent on Friday.

Most of the US equity market’s major sectors were in the red on Friday, with Real Estate down around 1.25%, closely followed by the Financial Sector which fell 1.21%. The Communications Services Sector closed up around 0.85% as telecoms rebounded from recent selling pressure.

Dow Jones news

Nike Inc. (NKE) led the charge down the Dow Jones index, tumbling around 7% on Friday after reporting slowing sales in China, despite beating expectations on their top and bottom lines in their latest quarter. The day's top gained was Boeing Co. (BA), climbing six-tenths of a percent

Apple Inc. (AAPL) ended up around half a percent on the day as the stock recovers from recent selling. Investors pared back on exposure to Apple recently after it was announced that the US Department of Justice sued the company for anti-competitive practices and monopolization in the cellphone market with their iPhone products.

Investors will be pivoting to next Thursday’s US Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures. US GDP growth in Q4 is expected to hold steady at 3.2%. Next Friday also brings the latest print of the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) preferred inflation metric, the Personal Consumption Expenditure (PCE) Price Index. Median market forecasts expect MoM Core PCE in February to tick down to 0.3% from the previous 0.4%.

Dow Jones Industrial Average technical outlook

It’s been a stellar week for the Dow Jones, with the index climbing nearly 3% bottom-to-top from the week’s early low bids near 38,760.79. The index broke into new all-time highs twice in two days, etching in a fresh record peak at 39,889.05 before settling into a tight range near 39,600.00 ahead of Friday’s closing bell.

The DJIA is on pace to close in the green for a fifth consecutive month, and the index is up around 2.9% from the last swing low into 38,500.00. The Dow Jones is trading deep into bull country, with price action well above the 200-day Simple Moving Average (SMA) at 38,257.84.

Dow Jones Industrial Average 5-minute chart

 

Risk sentiment FAQs

In the world of financial jargon the two widely used terms “risk-on” and “risk off'' refer to the level of risk that investors are willing to stomach during the period referenced. In a “risk-on” market, investors are optimistic about the future and more willing to buy risky assets. In a “risk-off” market investors start to ‘play it safe’ because they are worried about the future, and therefore buy less risky assets that are more certain of bringing a return, even if it is relatively modest.

Typically, during periods of “risk-on”, stock markets will rise, most commodities – except Gold – will also gain in value, since they benefit from a positive growth outlook. The currencies of nations that are heavy commodity exporters strengthen because of increased demand, and Cryptocurrencies rise. In a “risk-off” market, Bonds go up – especially major government Bonds – Gold shines, and safe-haven currencies such as the Japanese Yen, Swiss Franc and US Dollar all benefit.

The Australian Dollar (AUD), the Canadian Dollar (CAD), the New Zealand Dollar (NZD) and minor FX like the Ruble (RUB) and the South African Rand (ZAR), all tend to rise in markets that are “risk-on”. This is because the economies of these currencies are heavily reliant on commodity exports for growth, and commodities tend to rise in price during risk-on periods. This is because investors foresee greater demand for raw materials in the future due to heightened economic activity.

The major currencies that tend to rise during periods of “risk-off” are the US Dollar (USD), the Japanese Yen (JPY) and the Swiss Franc (CHF). The US Dollar, because it is the world’s reserve currency, and because in times of crisis investors buy US government debt, which is seen as safe because the largest economy in the world is unlikely to default. The Yen, from increased demand for Japanese government bonds, because a high proportion are held by domestic investors who are unlikely to dump them – even in a crisis. The Swiss Franc, because strict Swiss banking laws offer investors enhanced capital protection.

 

Share: Feed news

Information on these pages contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Markets and instruments profiled on this page are for informational purposes only and should not in any way come across as a recommendation to buy or sell in these assets. You should do your own thorough research before making any investment decisions. FXStreet does not in any way guarantee that this information is free from mistakes, errors, or material misstatements. It also does not guarantee that this information is of a timely nature. Investing in Open Markets involves a great deal of risk, including the loss of all or a portion of your investment, as well as emotional distress. All risks, losses and costs associated with investing, including total loss of principal, are your responsibility. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of FXStreet nor its advertisers. The author will not be held responsible for information that is found at the end of links posted on this page.

If not otherwise explicitly mentioned in the body of the article, at the time of writing, the author has no position in any stock mentioned in this article and no business relationship with any company mentioned. The author has not received compensation for writing this article, other than from FXStreet.

FXStreet and the author do not provide personalized recommendations. The author makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of this information. FXStreet and the author will not be liable for any errors, omissions or any losses, injuries or damages arising from this information and its display or use. Errors and omissions excepted.

The author and FXStreet are not registered investment advisors and nothing in this article is intended to be investment advice.

Recommended content


Recommended content

Editors’ Picks

EUR/USD stays vulnerable near 1.0600 ahead of US inflation data

EUR/USD stays vulnerable near 1.0600 ahead of US inflation data

EUR/USD remains under pressure near 1.0600 in European trading on Wednesday. The pair faces headwinds from the recent US Dollar upsurge, Germany's political instability and a cautiou market mood, as traders look to US CPI data and Fedspeak for fresh directives. 

EUR/USD News
GBP/USD trades with caution near 1.2750, awaits BoE Mann, US CPI

GBP/USD trades with caution near 1.2750, awaits BoE Mann, US CPI

GBP/USD trades with caution near 1.2750 in the European session on Wednesday, holding its losing streak. Traders turn risk-averse and refrain from placing fresh bets on the pair ahead of BoE policymaker Mann's speech and US CPI data. 

GBP/USD News
Gold price trims a part of modest recovery, focus remains on US CPI

Gold price trims a part of modest recovery, focus remains on US CPI

Gold price (XAU/USD) trims a part of modest intraday recovery gains, albeit it manages to hold above the $2,600 mark heading into the European session on Wednesday. Traders now look forward to the crucial US consumer inflation figures for a fresh impetus. 

Gold News
US CPI data preview: Inflation expected to rebound for first time in seven months

US CPI data preview: Inflation expected to rebound for first time in seven months

The US Consumer Price Index is set to rise 2.6% YoY in October, faster than September’s 2.4% increase. Annual core CPI inflation is expected to remain at 3.3% in October. The inflation data could significantly impact the market’s pricing of the Fed’s interest rate outlook and the US Dollar value.

Read more
Five fundamentals: Fallout from the US election, inflation, and a timely speech from Powell stand out

Five fundamentals: Fallout from the US election, inflation, and a timely speech from Powell stand out Premium

What a week – the US election lived up to their hype, at least when it comes to market volatility. There is no time to rest, with politics, geopolitics, and economic data promising more volatility ahead.

Read more
Best Forex Brokers with Low Spreads

Best Forex Brokers with Low Spreads

VERIFIED Low spreads are crucial for reducing trading costs. Explore top Forex brokers offering competitive spreads and high leverage. Compare options for EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY, and Gold.

Read More

Forex MAJORS

Cryptocurrencies

Signatures