The stock market witnessed a mixed performance on Friday, with the Dow Industrial Average dropping by 157.50 points and the S&P index declining by 11.46 points, while the NASDAQ index rose by 18.04 points. These movements come amidst a broader downtrend observed in September and the third quarter (Q3) of 2023.
The Dow Industrial Average, S&P index, and NASDAQ recorded losses in both September and Q3. The Dow fell by -3.50%, the S&P index slipped by -4.87%, and NASDAQ decreased by -5.81% in September. For Q3, these indices also experienced declines with the Dow dropping by -2.60%, the S&P index contracting by -3.65%, and NASDAQ falling by -4.12%.
Despite these recent losses, year-to-date figures show a different picture with all three indices recording gains. The Dow has risen by 1.09%, the S&P index has grown by 11.68%, and NASDAQ has surged by an impressive 26.30%.
The fluctuating performance of these indices underscores the dynamic nature of financial markets, influenced by a range of factors from economic indicators to global events. As we move into the last quarter of 2023, investors will be closely watching these trends to gauge future market directions.