Major U.S. equity indices closed sharply lower Friday as technology stocks led a broad-based selloff that sent the VIX volatility index surging to 29.3. The S&P 500 fell 1.70% to 6,512, while the Nasdaq bore the brunt of selling pressure, declining 1.85% to 21,653. The Dow Jones managed a relatively modest 1.12% drop to 45,616.
Small-cap stocks faced even steeper losses, with the Russell 2000 falling 2.18% to 2,432, reflecting heightened risk-off sentiment across growth-oriented sectors. The semiconductor space was particularly volatile, with Intel plummeting 5.00% to $43.87 on disappointing forward guidance, while ARM Holdings bucked the trend with a 1.95% gain to $132.35 on renewed AI chip optimism.
Commodity markets showed mixed signals as gold reached $4,419, benefiting from safe-haven demand amid the equity rout. Oil prices held relatively steady near $82 per barrel as geopolitical tensions balanced against demand concerns. The elevated VIX reading suggests investors are bracing for continued volatility as markets digest ongoing uncertainties around interest rates and economic growth prospects.