US stocks end week lower as fear index soars

Dow Jones loses 0.95%, S&P 500 1.33% and Nasdaq 1.59%, while fear index up 24.17%

ISTANBUL

US stock markets closed with losses Friday as investors evaluated fresh economic data and its impact on interest rate paths.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.95%, or 453.19 points, to close at 47,501.55.

The Nasdaq composite declined 1.59%, or 361.31 points, to 22,387.68, while the S&P 500 slipped 1.33%, or 90.69 points, to 6,740.021.

The Volatility Index (VIX), often referred to as the market’s “fear index,” climbed 24.17% to 29.49.

Investors closely monitored inflation figures to anticipate the Federal Reserve’s next move.

Higher-than-expected labor costs fueled concerns that borrowing rates might remain elevated for longer.

According to official figures, the US economy lost 92,000 jobs in February.

Brent futures prices exceeded $92 on Friday, reaching their highest level since mid-2024 as escalating conflict in the Middle East heightened concerns over disruptions to global energy supplies.