Benzingaยท2025-09-02 17:00Market Overview - Wall Street experienced broad losses, with major indices retreating as investors adopted a risk-off approach due to concerns over high valuations, seasonal challenges, and fiscal strains [1][2] - The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) surged nearly 20% to 19.2, marking its third consecutive advance, indicating increased market fear [1] Major Indices Performance - The Nasdaq 100 led the decline, falling 1.7%, while the S&P 500 decreased by 1.4% in its first session of September, historically the weakest month [2] - The Dow Jones lost over 500 points, or 1.1% [2] - The Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) slipped 1.5% to $584.49, and the SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average (DIA) fell 1.1% to $451.04 [6] Sector Performance - Chipmakers were significantly impacted, with NVIDIA Corp. dropping 3.6%, Arm Holdings plc sinking 5%, and ASML Holding NV and Qualcomm Inc. each losing about 3% [2] - The Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLP) outperformed, down only 0.3%, while the Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLB) lagged, down 2% [6] Economic Indicators - The ISM Manufacturing PMI indicated a sixth consecutive month of contraction, suggesting that tariffs meant to protect domestic industries are increasing costs and delaying investments [3] - Safe-haven assets saw strong demand, with gold reaching record highs above $3,500 an ounce and silver surpassing $40 [3] Bond Market Activity - Long-dated yields rose across advanced economies, with 30-year U.S. Treasuries increasing five basis points to 4.97%, just below the 5% mark [4] Notable Stock Movements - Top gainers in the S&P 500 included Ulta Beauty Inc. (+6.45%), Biogen Inc. (+3.84%), and Ralph Lauren Corp (+3.36%) [5] - The worst performers included TransDigm Group Inc. (-7.50%), Constellation Brands Inc. (-6.97%), and Kraft Heinz Co. (-6.96%) [7]