Stocks accelerated their selloff to finish near session lows in light, choppy trading Friday as investors were reluctant to remain in the market ahead of a weekend, amid worries over a global recession in addition to the ongoing euro zone jitters.
Stocks closed off their worst levels Thursday, but were still down sharply, following a handful of disappointing economic news and over continuing worries over the stability of euro zone banks.
Futures extended their sharp losses Thursday after a gloomy forecast on global growth, continuing worries about the European debt crisis and following news that jobless claims rose more than expected last week.
Most of the pundits had expected a relief rally in stocks following a resolution to the debt ceiling crisis. That did not happen. So what gives? Why is the market behaving so poorly despite the hard-fought compromise by lawmakers?
Stocks sold off sharply to end at session lows Tuesday with the Dow down for an eighth day amid economic worries and even after President Obama signed a bill to avoid a debt default.
Stocks declined Tuesday amid worries over economic growth and as a last-minute congressional deal to raise the U.S. debt ceiling failed to ease worries about a possible U.S. credit downgrade.
Futures were lower Tuesday after news personal spending in June declined for the first time since September 2009 and as a last-minute congressional deal to raise the U.S. debt ceiling failed to ease worries about a possible U.S. credit downgrade.
Stocks clawed back from session lows ahead of a crucial vote in Washington on the debt deal, but still ended lower Monday following a dismal manufacturing report in addition to renewed worries over some euro zone countries.
Futures surged Monday, after top U.S. lawmakers sealed a deal to raise the debt ceiling one day ahead of a deadline for a potential default.
Stocks closed sharply higher Thursday after EU leaders agreed on a final bailout package for Greece, in addition to an encouraging report on the Fed's mid-Atlantic manufacturing survey and some robust earnings reports.