Snapping 4-day losing streak, U.S. markets ended higher on Friday as global crude oil prices pulled back from recent highs, offering temporary relief to equity markets ahead of the Federal Reserve’s policy meeting next week. On the economic front, a report released by the University of Michigan showed consumer sentiment in the U.S. has deteriorated by much more than anticipated in the month of September. The University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment index fell to 47.8 in early September 2026, down for a second consecutive month and well below market expectations of 51.0. It was the weakest reading since May’s record low. Year-ahead expectations for personal finances and business conditions also deteriorated, as consumers anticipate greater pressure on household budgets amid rising fuel prices and trade tensions. Besides, a closely watched report released by the Labor Department showed US consumer prices rose 0.4% month-on-month in August 2026, accelerating from 0.1% in July and in line with expectations. It was the largest monthly increase in three months, driven primarily by a 3.9% surge in gasoline prices as crude prices rallied amid escalating US-Iran tensions.
Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 509.19 points or 0.98 percent to 52,573.29, S&P 500 was up by by 65.28 points or 0.86 percent to 7,656.98 and Nasdaq added by 251.31 points or 0.96 percent to 26,333.03.
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