NEW YORK — The Dow Jones Industrial Average reached a record high. The S&P 500 index also increased in value during the trading session.
Conversely, the Nasdaq composite index experienced a decrease of nearly 0.1 percent. Semiconductor stocks declined in market value, with Broadcom shares decreasing by approximately 15 percent following a report of revenue below expectations. Asian technology stock indexes also declined, following movements in U.S. semiconductor stocks.
Meanwhile, crude oil prices decreased by approximately 3 percent during market optimism regarding a potential resolution to conflicts involving Iran. Brent crude futures decreased by 2.8 percent, closing at $95.03 per barrel on Thursday, while West Texas Intermediate crude futures decreased by 3.1 percent, settling at $93.04 per barrel on Thursday. Both Brent and WTI crude futures traded lower during Friday's Asian trading session.
Bitcoin prices fell below $62,000 before recovering to approximately $63,719. Bitcoin exchange-traded funds experienced capital outflows during the period, and its current market valuation has returned to levels observed prior to recent geopolitical conflicts. Strategy executed its first bitcoin sale transaction since 2022.
In other financial news, Blackstone Group Limited restricted investor withdrawals from its Blackstone Private Credit fund after increased redemption requests. Additionally, Partners Group SE suspended withdrawals for one of its private equity funds and indicated potential withdrawal restrictions on additional funds. Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase & Co., and Morgan Stanley are hosting client events related to the upcoming SpaceX initial public offering, which targets a capital raise of $75 billion at an expected valuation of $1.75 trillion.