Weekend markets update: USOIL 10226 +4.69%, DAX 23183 -0.62%, DOW 46262 -0.46%, NASDAQ 24240 -0.33%, FTSE 10209 -0.30%, HANGSENG 25322 -0.31%, EURUSD 11417 +0.01%, GOLD 5010 -0.17%, SILVER 8088 +0.44%

U.S. equity indices closed lower on Friday, extending their third consecutive weekly decline amid renewed inflation concerns, geopolitical tensions, and revised economic data. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.46%, the S&P 500 dropped 0.62%, and the Nasdaq Composite declined 0.33%, reflecting investor caution as oil prices surged and growth expectations dimmed. West Texas Intermediate crude climbed 4.69% to $102.26 per barrel, while Brent crude surpassed $100, driven by escalating tensions in the Middle East and renewed fears of supply disruptions.

Revised fourth-quarter GDP growth was reported at 0.7%, below initial estimates, signaling weaker economic momentum. Meanwhile, the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) index showed headline inflation rose 0.3% month-over-month in January, with core PCE increasing 0.4%, underscoring persistent pricing pressures. These developments have prompted traders to reassess expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts in 2026, with market positioning shifting toward a more cautious outlook.

Global markets mirrored the U.S. downturn, with the DAX falling 0.62%, the FTSE declining 0.30%, and the Hang Seng dropping 0.31%. Gold prices dipped 0.17%, while silver rose 0.44%, reflecting mixed demand for safe-haven assets. The EUR/USD pair edged up 0.01%, indicating modest euro strength against the dollar. Analysts caution that prolonged geopolitical instability and inflationary risks could further weigh on market sentiment in the coming weeks.