The U.S. stock markets entered the weekend in decline. On Friday, the Dow dropped 1 % to 45,577 points, while the broader S&P 500 fell 1.5 % to finish at 6,506. The technology‑heavy Nasdaq slid even harder, ending 1.9 % lower at 23,898.
Oil prices rallied again. A barrel of North Sea Brent crude closed at $111.80 as of 9 p.m. German time, up 2.9 % from the previous day-a rebound after a brief easing earlier in the week.
Many investors worry that inflation could pick up again, and they are even more concerned about potential central‑bank actions, especially rising interest rates. In anticipation of possible surprises from the Fed environment before the weekend, investors were reluctant to take on risk and liquidated more volatile holdings.
The euro weakened slightly against the dollar. One euro was worth $1.1561, which translates to 0.8650 euros per U.S. dollar.
Gold traded in a steep decline. In the evening, one fine troy ounce fetched $4,502-a drop of 2.9 %. That equals about 125.20 euros per gram.