U.S. stock markets opened uneven on Friday. By the close in New York, the Dow was at 49,099 points, down 0.6 % from the previous trading day. A few minutes earlier the broader S&P 500 was up a small amount, trading near 6,916 points, while the technology-focused Nasdaq reported the Nasdaq 100 at roughly 25,605 points, up 0.3 %.
Intel shares sank sharply. Although the semiconductor company’s net loss in the newly released quarterly figures was smaller than feared, the outlook for the current quarter failed to inspire confidence; management cited raw‑material shortages as the reason for the weak forecast.
The euro strengthened in the evening: one euro traded at $1.1821, which made one U.S. dollar worth 0.8460 euros.
Gold benefited from the market movements, with a fine ounce priced at $4,980 by evening, an increase of 0.9 %. That translates to about €135.46 per gram.
Oil prices rose strongly; a barrel of North Sea Brent crude was $65.92 at 10 p.m. German time on Friday, 2.9 % higher than the previous day’s close.