Weekly Market Recap (26-01 March)

The stock market experienced a volatile week, with major indexes fluctuating throughout the week. The S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average both ended the week slightly down, while the Nasdaq Composite finished slightly higher.

Investors were closely watching the situation in Ukraine, as tensions between Russia and Ukraine continued to escalate. This geopolitical uncertainty weighed on the market, as investors feared the potential impact on global economic stability.

Economic data released during the week also influenced market movements. The U.S. Labor Department reported that the number of new jobless claims fell to a three-month low, signaling a potential improvement in the labor market. However, the Institute for Supply Management's manufacturing index fell to its lowest level in two years, raising concerns about the health of the manufacturing sector.

In corporate news, several major companies reported their quarterly earnings, with mixed results. Retail giant Target exceeded earnings expectations, while tech giant Apple fell short of revenue forecasts.

Looking ahead, investors will be closely monitoring the situation in Ukraine and its potential impact on global markets. Additionally, the U.S. Federal Reserve's upcoming policy meeting will be a key focus for investors, as they await further guidance on the central bank's plans for interest rates and monetary policy.