US stocks closed lower

Key Points

• 1

  All four major indexes closed lower.

• 2

  Small caps and the Dow fell more sharply.

• 3

  Energy and health care finished higher.

• 4

  The fear gauge showed extreme caution.

Sector Performance

• EnergyOil and gas companiesEnergy was the strongest sector.
  +1.29%
• Health CareHospitals, pharma, and medical devicesDefensive strength lifted health care 0.79%.
  +0.79%
• Consumer StaplesFood, household goods — everyday essentialsDefensive demand lifted staples 0.40%.
  +0.40%
• MaterialsSteel, chemicals, and raw materialsMaterials edged higher despite weak factory signals.
  +0.21%
• Real EstateReal estate investment trusts (REITs)Real estate was nearly unchanged.
  +0.05%
• IndustrialsAirlines, machinery, and defense companiesIndustrials ended nearly flat.
  -0.08%
• UtilitiesElectric, water, and gas utility companiesUtilities lagged other defensive areas.
  -0.43%
• Consumer DiscretionaryCars, retail — things people want but don't needEconomic caution weighed on consumer shares.
  -0.73%
• TechnologyGrowth companies like semiconductors & softwareGrowth weakness pulled tech down 1.00%.
  -1.00%
• FinancialsBanks, insurance, and brokerage firmsFinancials fell 1.15% with the market.
  -1.15%
• Communication ServicesTelecom, media, and internet companiesRisk caution pushed the sector down 1.31%.
  -1.31%

Defensive sectors held up better today.