Nasdaq gains 18%, S&P rises 14% in 1st half of 2024

By Ovunc Kutlu

ISTANBUL (AA) - The Nasdaq gained more than 18% while S&P 500 increased over 14% in the first half of this year, despite the US stocks closing lower on Friday, the last trading day of June.

The S&P 500 declined 22 points, or 0.41%, to finish the session at 5,460 but the index rose 14.5% in January-June period.

The Nasdaq fell 126 points, or 0.71%, to end the day at 17,732. The tech-heavy index gained 18.1% in the first six months of 2024.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average, meanwhile, lost 45 points, or 0.12%, to close at 39,118. The blue-chip index added 3.8% in the first half of this year.

The VIX volatility index, also known as the fear index, rose 1.6% to 12.44. The 10-year US Treasury yield added 2.35% to 4.388%.

The dollar index shed 0.02% to 105.88, while the euro increased 0.08% to $1.0711 against the greenback.

Precious metals were mixed, with gold losing 0.1% to $2,325 per ounce but silver adding 0.55% to $29.13.

Oil prices were down around 0.3%, with global benchmark Brent crude at $84.95 and US benchmark West Texas Intermediate at $81.51.