US Stocks Sink, VIX Soars As Overheated Economy, Mixed Earnings Complicate Fed's Path: What's Driving Markets Thursday?

Wall Street experienced a significant downturn Thursday as volatility surged, triggered by a shift in risk sentiment following a combination of mixed earnings reports and stronger-than-predicted economic data, with the latter reviving concerns for an additional rate hike down the road.

Market observers are now closely tracking a series of upcoming earnings reports, including Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN), set to release its quarterly results after the market closes.

Cues From Thursday’s Trading

The S&P 500 Index fell 1.3%, the Nasdaq 100 tumbled 1.9% and the Dow Jones Industrial Average 0.7%. Small caps rose 0.1%.

Thursday Trading In Major US Equity ETFs:

Looking at S&P 500 sector ETFs:

See also: Futures Vs. Options

Stocks In Focus:

Commodities, Bonds, Other Global Equity Markets:

Crude oil fell 1.8%, with a barrel of WTI-grade crude trading at $83. The United States Oil Fund ETF (NYSE:USO) fell 1.6% to $77.19.  

Treasury yields were sharply lower, with the 10-year yield down by 9 basis points to 4.86% and the 30-year yield up by 8 basis points to 5.01%. The iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF (NYSE:TLT) was 1.1% higher for the day. 

European equity indices weakened, with the broader SPDR DJ Euro STOXX 50 ETF  (NYSE:FEZ) down 0.7%. 

Gold edged 0.4% up to $1,987/oz, while silver fell 0.4% to $22.75. Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) was 2% lower to $33,838.

Staff writer Piero Cingari updated this report midday Thursday. 

Read Next: Big Tech Woes Drive Nasdaq 100’s Worst Session In 2023, Now Approaching Correction Territory

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