US stocks end week lower as fear index soars

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.