How major US stock indexes fared Thursday, 4/18/2024

U.S. stock indexes drifted to a mixed close following more reports showing the economy remains stronger than expected. The S&P 500 index fell 0.2% Thursday. The slight dip sent it to a fifth straight loss for its longest such streak since October. The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged up by 0.1%, and the Nasdaq composite slipped 0.5% following a mixed set of profit reports from big companies. Treasury yields rose following the stronger-than-expected economic data. Not only is the number of layoffs across the country remaining relatively low, an index of manufacturing in the mid-Atlantic region showed growth unexpectedly accelerated.