US Stocks Retreat Amid Inflation Concerns

RunWithRugs · 2026-03-11T18:10:01+00:00

US equity markets fell on Friday as traders analyzed economic indicators affecting interest rates. The Dow, Nasdaq, and S&P 500 all declined, while the VIX rose sharply. Job losses and rising labor costs raised concerns about prolonged high borrowing costs, amid escalating Middle East tensions impacting oil prices.

RunWithRugs

2026-03-11 18:10:01

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(MENAFN) US equity markets ended Friday lower as traders assessed new economic indicators and their implications for interest rate trajectories.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 0.95%, or 453.19 points, settling at 47,501.55.

The Nasdaq Composite slid 1.59%, or 361.31 points, to 22,387.68, while the S&P 500 fell 1.33%, or 90.69 points, to 6,740.021.

The Volatility Index (VIX), frequently called the market’s “fear index,” surged 24.17% to 29.49.

Market participants paid close attention to inflation data to forecast the Federal Reserve’s next actions.

Rising labor expenses intensified worries that borrowing costs could stay higher for an extended period.

Official statistics revealed that the US economy shed 92,000 jobs in February.

Brent futures surpassed $92 on Friday, marking their peak since mid-2024, as the escalating conflict in the Middle East amplified fears of interruptions to global energy flows.

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