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Stocks ended a volatile week on a strong note, with all three major indexes finishing sharply higher in trading today. Stocks bounced back after Thursday’s huge sell-off.
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The DJIA ended the day 0.53% higher at 12,640.78, the S&P 500 ended the day 0.72% higher at 1,335.02, and the Nasdaq ended the day 1.17% higher at 2,892.52.
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The week began on a promising note as Greek voters opted for the pro-bailout parties in the election last Sunday. Although the Greek election results ended a great deal of uncertainty, Spanish borrowing costs rose to a euro-era high. Italian borrowing costs also surged raising renewed worries over the euro zone debt crisis.
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Investors’ sentiment was also weighed down by lack of action from the Federal Reserve at the end of its two-day monetary policy meeting on Wednesday. The Fed extended its Operation Twist program on Wednesday, which was expected. However, the central bank did not hint at more aggressive monetary easing.
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Worries over the euro zone, lack of action from the Fed, and some concerns over global economic growth sparked a huge sell-off on Thursday.
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Although stocks made a recovery today, the Dow Jones and S&P 500 ended lower for the week. The Dow Jones fell 0.99%, while the S&P 500 fell 0.58% for the week. Nasdaq managed to post a 0.68% gain for the week.
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Financials led the gains in trading today, gaining 1%. The gains in the sector were led by bank stocks, which rose despite a rating downgrade of five of the six biggest U.S. banks by Moody’s. The ratings agency also downgraded the credit rating of several European banks.
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