The S&P 500 and Dow achieved record closing highs Friday, navigating a volatile session amid an ongoing government shutdown. Interest rate-cut expectations strengthened, driven by weak economic data, including contracting services employment. Traders now anticipate a Fed rate cut in October as almost certain, with another probable in December, despite concerns about a prolonged shutdown’s impact.
US stocks today: Dow posts closing record high, S&P 500, Nasdaq muted as AI rally pauses
US stocks ended mixed as the Dow hit a record closing high driven by healthcare and consumer gains, while tech and chip stocks lagged. Banking