Last week, U.S. indices saw declines as the Dow and S&P 500 fell 1.9%, the Nasdaq dropped 2.3%, the Russell 2000 tumbled 3.6%, and the CBOE Volatility Index surged 21.1% to 19.54.

S&P 500 sectors experienced mixed performances, with notable declines in Real Estate (-4.1%), Information Technology (-3.1%), and Financials (-2.7%). Consumer Discretionary and Utilities also struggled, falling by 2.3% and 2%, respectively. Consumer Staples and Industrials saw moderate losses of -1.9% and -1%. On the positive side, Energy led gains with a 0.9% increase, while Healthcare and Materials posted modest gains of 0.5% and 0.1%. Telecom showed relative stability with a small decline of 0.7%.

Despite the overall negative sentiment, there were a few standouts. Amazon-backed Vital Farms (VITL) rose 4% on elevated egg prices caused by Bird Flu outbreaks. Delta airlines was up 13% on positive earnings. MP Materials - an American rare earth minerals company - rose 19% on renewed fears of China prohibiting export of rate earth minerals which are used in just about every electronic product. OPFI stock was also up 13% Friday and 10% for the week on stronger expected demand for personal loans as inflation chips away at savings rates.

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