US stock markets presented a mixed picture on Friday. By the close in New York, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was valued at 49,499 points, marking a decline of 0.3 percent compared to the previous trading day. Earlier readings showed different trends: the broader S&P 500 was up 0.3 percent, reaching around 7,230 points, while the technology-focused Nasdaq 100 traded at roughly 27,710 points, up 0.9 percent.
Although positive quarterly earnings from major US tech conglomerates continue to fuel investor hopes for an ongoing AI boom, concerns remain due to the escalating conflict between the US and Israel involving Iran. The local regime has presented the US with a new negotiation stance, a move that reportedly did not satisfy Trump. Meanwhile, Tehran remains resolute in its plan to permanently control the Strait of Hormuz.
In the currency markets, the European common currency showed some weakness by Friday evening, with the Euro exchanging for 1.1721 US dollars, meaning the dollar was priced at 0.8532 Euros.
Commodity prices also saw shifts. Gold weakened, finishing the evening session at $4,609 per fine ounce-a drop of 0.3 percent-equating to 126.43 Euros per gram. Oil prices fell significantly; the Brent crude, referencing the North Sea grade, cost $108.60 per barrel around 10 PM German time. This represented a decrease of 178 cents, or 1.6 percent, from the previous day’s closing figures.