U.S. stocks tumbled last week as heightened uncertainty over U.S. President Donald Trump's shifting tariff policies rattled markets and fueled volatility.
All three major U.S. stock indexes recorded significant losses, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average plunging 3.07 percent—its sharpest weekly decline in nearly two years. The S and P 500 and Nasdaq also ended the week with losses.
Data released by the U.S. Energy Information Administration last week showed that U.S. crude oil inventories fell more than expected, leading to the end of a seven-week downward trend in international crude prices.
Over the week, U.S. benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose 0.21 percent, while Brent crude edged up 0.31 percent.
Meanwhile, the precious metals market saw strong gains.
A surge in central bank gold purchases worldwide, coupled with market fears over U.S. tariff policies, boosted safe-haven demand. International gold prices passed the threshold of 3,000 U.S. dollars per ounce last week, setting a new record.
For the week, gold prices posted a nearly 3 percent increase, with year-to-date gains exceeding 13 percent.
Looking ahead, markets are bracing for a "super central bank week," as more than 20 central banks are set to announce their latest interest rate decisions.
The U.S. Federal Reserve will release its decision on Wednesday, with analysts widely expecting rates to remain unchanged.
All three major U.S. stock indexes post weekly losses
All three major U.S. stock indexes post weekly losses
All three major U.S. stock indexes post weekly losses
