Dow Jones Falls Over 1% as Healthcare and Financial Stocks Lead Market Decline

U.S. equity markets finished Tuesday's session lower, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average posting the sharpest decline among the major benchmarks. The downturn was driven by significant weakness in the healthcare, consumer services, and financial sectors, according to market data at the close.

Major Indices Retreat

All three primary U.S. stock indices ended the day in the red. The performance at Tuesday's close was as follows:

• The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 1.17%.
• The S&P 500 index declined 0.58%.
• The NASDAQ Composite index lost 0.32%.

Market breadth was negative, as falling stocks outnumbered advancing ones on the New York Stock Exchange by a margin of 1775 to 938. Reflecting increased investor caution, the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), often referred to as the market's "fear gauge," rose 2.81% to 15.73.

Sector and Stock Highlights

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Healthcare stocks were among the biggest drags on the market. Amgen Inc. (AMGN) was a notable underperformer on both the Dow and S&P 500, with its shares plunging 10.08%. Other significant decliners on the Dow included Salesforce Inc. (CRM), which fell 3.86%, and Home Depot Inc. (HD), down 2.29%.

Despite the broader market downturn, some technology stocks showed strength. Intel Corporation (INTC) was a top performer on the S&P 500, surging 9.05%. Other gainers included Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co (HPE), which climbed 7.78%, and Corning Incorporated (GLW), which added 7.56%.

Commodities and Currencies

In the commodities market, energy prices moved higher while precious metals fell. WTI Crude oil for October delivery rose 3.03% to settle at $94.25 a barrel. Meanwhile, gold futures for December delivery were down 1.65%.

In currency markets, the US Dollar Index Futures, which measures the greenback against a basket of other major currencies, edged lower by 0.30% to 98.85.