Dow falls 200 factors, notches its fifth straight week of losses as Russia-Ukraine conflict drags on

The Dow Jones Industrial Common fell on Friday and notched its fifth straight week of losses as traders stay cautious in regards to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

The Dow fell 229.88 factors to 32,944.19, dragged down by losses in Nike and Apple. The S&P 500 fell 1.3% to 4,204.31. The technology-focused Nasdaq Composite fell 2.2% to 12,843.81.

Russian President Vladimir Putin mentioned Friday that “sure constructive shifts” have occurred within the talks between the Kremlin and Ukraine. Nevertheless, a ceasefire has not been negotiated. In the meantime, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reportedly mentioned Ukraine has reached a “strategic turning level” in its conflict with Russia.

U.S. President Joe Biden also called for an end to Russia’s status as a most well-liked commerce companion, whereas Congress passed a funding bill that features $14 billion of Ukraine assist.

“Shares are taking a look at one other crimson week, as hope for a ceasefire, solely to be dissatisfied, has added to the uncertainty,” mentioned Ryan Detrick of LPL Monetary.

The Dow posted a five-day shedding streak, because the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues to be an overhang on monetary markets. The S&P and Nasdaq fell for a second straight week.

For the week, the Dow misplaced 2%. In the meantime, the S&P fell 2.9%, and the Nasdaq slid 3.5% this week.

“Doubtlessly excellent news from favorable feedback relating to stop fireplace negotiations from Putin however traders are uncertain how a lot weight to placed on this given a few of his earlier feedback which turned out to be hole,” mentioned Jim Paulsen, chief funding strategist for the Leuthold Group.

Nevertheless, Financial institution of America mentioned Friday that inventory declines associated to the conflict may have bottomed.

“The S&P 500’s -12% decline from its peak suggests a lot of the froth has been taken out,” mentioned Savita Subramanian, fairness and quant strategist at Financial institution of America Securities. “Shares are largely pricing within the geopolitical shock, the place the S&P 500 fell 9% from peak-to-trough since Russia-Ukraine headlines in early Feb, just like a typical 7-8% fall in prior macro/geopolitical occasions.”

The strikes got here amid one other day of upper vitality costs. West Texas Intermediate crude, the U.S. benchmark, rose 2.9% to round $109 per barrel, whereas worldwide normal Brent crude moved 2.9% larger to round $112. To make sure, crude costs are nicely off the highs seen earlier within the week.

Metals costs apart from copper fell sharply. Palladium futures tumbled 4% to $2,803.50 an oz. Agricultural commodity costs turned combined and bond yields have been principally larger, although solely barely.

On the info entrance, the College of Michigan client sentiment index sunk to 59.7 in March, down from 62.Eight in February, in line with the report launched on Friday. This marks the weakest print since September 2011.

“Information that client confidence sunk even decrease this morning as family fears about inflation intensify have ramped up worries a couple of severe U.S. financial slowdown or even perhaps a recession,” added Paulsen.

Elsewhere, Rivian slipped 7.6% after lacking estimates for the fourth quarter on the highest and backside strains, whereas DocuSign sank 20.1% after issuing weak steerage for the primary quarter and monetary yr.

Sure tech names dragged on the Nasdaq on Friday and continued their weak spot since Monday. Zoom Video fell 5%, bringing its weekly losses to almost 10%. Meta Platforms fell 3.9% and misplaced 6.2% for the week.