The US stock market rose at the end of the week, despite volatile trading. It was supported by technology companies and companies doing business in healthcare. Despite Friday's rise, however, the S&P 500 index fell for the fourth week in a row.
The US market is failing this month due to several concerns. The main thing is that stocks are exaggeratedly expensive after a record strengthening during the summer.
Investor nervousness has also increased recently due to the inability of the US Congress to approve further aid to the economy. In addition, markets are concerned about growing tensions between the US and China and the possibility that investors' expectations that the COVID-19 vaccine will come as early as next year are too optimistic.
However, the S&P 500 index rose 1.6 percent to 3,298.46 points on Friday. The industrial Dow Jones improved 1.3 percent to 27,173.96 points. The technology Nasdaq rose 2.3 percent to 10,913.56 points, and the Russell 200 smaller business index gained 1.6 percent to close at 1,474.91 points.
Most European stock markets closed lower on Friday. The German DAX index lost 1.1 percent and the French CAC 40 stock index fell 0.7 percent. However, the British FTSE 100 index strengthened by 0.3 percent.