The week saw mixed performance in major U.S. indices, starting with gains and new records on Monday, followed by three consecutive days of modest declines amid economic data releases and policy announcements, before rebounding on Friday with in-line inflation figures. Overall, the S&P 500 ended the week slightly down, the Dow was roughly flat, and the Nasdaq experienced a net decline. Volatility, as measured by the VIX index (often called the “fear gauge”), remained relatively low and stable in the mid-teens, fluctuating mildly day-to-day but closing lower by week’s end, indicating reduced market uncertainty.
Here’s a day-by-day breakdown, focusing on closing levels and percentage changes for the S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average, Nasdaq Composite, and VIX.
Monday, September 22, 2025
S&P 500: Closed at 6,693.75, up 0.59%.
Nasdaq: Closed at 22,788.98, up 0.81%.
VIX: Closed at 16.10 (flat to slightly up from prior close, reflecting stable volatility).
Key Notes: Markets opened the week strong, with the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq all setting new record highs amid optimism over recent Federal Reserve rate cuts and indications of further monetary easing.
Tuesday, September 23, 2025
S&P 500: Closed at 6,656.92, down 0.55%.
Nasdaq: Closed at 22,573.47, down 0.95%.
VIX: Closed at 16.64, up 3.35% (indicating a slight uptick in perceived market risk).
Key Notes: Indices pulled back modestly as investors digested ongoing economic indicators, with tech-heavy Nasdaq leading the declines.
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
S&P 500: Closed at 6,637.97, down 0.29%.
Nasdaq: Closed at 22,497.86, down 0.33%.
VIX: Closed at 16.18, down 2.76% (easing slightly from the previous day’s rise).
Key Notes: Continued mild selling pressure across the board, with no major catalysts reported, keeping volatility contained.
Thursday, September 25, 2025
S&P 500: Closed at 6,604.72, down 0.50%.
Nasdaq: Closed at 22,384.70, down 0.51%.
VIX: Closed at 16.74, up 3.46% (reflecting heightened caution amid the week’s losing streak).
Key Notes: Markets extended losses for the third straight day, potentially influenced by policy announcements, including references to economic plans from political figures.
Friday, September 26, 2025
S&P 500: Closed at 6,643.70, up 0.59%.
Nasdaq: Closed at 22,484.07, up 0.44%.
VIX: Closed at 15.29, down 8.66% (sharp drop signaling reduced fear as markets recovered).
Key Notes: Stocks rebounded to close higher after in-line inflation data met expectations, snapping the three-day losing streak. The Dow led gains with about 300 points added, amid broader positive sentiment.