US stocks closed slightly higher

Key Points

• 1

  All four major indexes closed higher.

• 2

  Small caps and the Dow led gains.

• 3

  Seven of eleven sectors moved higher.

• 4

  Market worry stayed high.

Sector Performance

• UtilitiesElectric, water, and gas utility companiesUtilities led all sectors.
  +1.86%
• TechnologyGrowth companies like semiconductors & softwareTech rose 1.25% today.
  +1.25%
• MaterialsSteel, chemicals, and raw materialsMaterials rose 1.18%.
  +1.18%
• EnergyOil and gas companiesEnergy gained 1.15%.
  +1.15%
• IndustrialsAirlines, machinery, and defense companiesIndustrials rose 1.04%.
  +1.04%
• Real EstateReal estate investment trusts (REITs)Real estate gained modestly.
  +0.51%
• FinancialsBanks, insurance, and brokerage firmsFinancials were nearly flat.
  +0.06%
• Consumer StaplesFood, household goods — everyday essentialsStaples slipped slightly.
  -0.24%
• Consumer DiscretionaryCars, retail — things people want but don't needDiscretionary shares declined.
  -0.51%
• Health CareHospitals, pharma, and medical devicesHealth care weakened.
  -0.97%
• Communication ServicesTelecom, media, and internet companiesCommunication services fell hardest.
  -1.76%

Most sectors ended higher today.