US stocks close week mixed following high inflation data

The New York Stock Exchange ended the week with mixed figures following high inflation data on Friday.

The Dow industrial benchmark fell 0.56%, or 269.23 points, to close at 47,916.57.

The Nasdaq composite increased 0.35%, or 80.48 points, to 22,902.89, while the S&P 500 lost 0.11%, or 7.77 points, to 6,816.89.

The Volatility Index (VIX), often called the market’s “fear index,” fell 1.08% to 19.28, as of 2015GMT.

While developments regarding the temporary ceasefire in the Middle East remained in the spotlight for investors, the stock markets saw mixed trading following data indicating that inflation accelerated in March.

With Israel’s attacks on Lebanon continuing and Iran’s statements regarding ceasefire violations, market attention has shifted to the first diplomatic talks scheduled for Saturday in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan.

US President Donald Trump stated that in the event the talks fail, the US has loaded their ships "with the best munitions, the best weapons ever made," adding, "If we cannot reach an agreement, we will use them, and we will use them very effectively.

In a post on his social media account, Trump also accused Iran of using international waterways for "short term extortion."

The price of Brent crude futures fell by 1.7% to $94.3 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) ropped by 2.3% to $95.6 per barrel as of 2050GMT.

Despite this pullback, oil prices remained above pre-war levels due to concerns over the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

On the macroeconomic front, the US Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 0.9% month-over-month and 3.3% year-over-year in March.

Driven by rising energy costs, the US CPI recorded its highest monthly increase since June 2022 in March.

The University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment index also fell to an all-time low of 47.6 in April, coming in well below market expectations.

Consumers’ short-term inflation expectations rose from 3.8% to 4.8% in April, reaching the highest level since August 2025.

The value of factory orders in the country remained flat in February compared to the previous month, totaling $619.6 billion.

Europe

European stock markets ended the week mostly with positive figures, the benchmark Stoxx Europe 600 index rose 0.37% to 614.84 points.

The UK’s FTSE 100 fell slightly by 0.03% to 10,600.53, Germany’s DAX slid 0.01% to 23,803.95, while Italy’s FTSE MIB 30 earned 0.59% to 47,609.36

France’s CAC 40 rose 0.17% to 8,259.60, and Spain's IBEX 35 increased 0.55% to 18,204.30.