US markets ended marginally higher in a volatile trade on 5th Jan 2024. However, the small gains did not stop the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite from starting 2024 with their worst weekly showing in months.
 
The S&P 500 gained just 9 points to end at 4,697. The Nasdaq Composite gained 14 points to end at 14,524. And the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 26 points to end at 37,466.
 
But, all three benchmarks recorded their first weekly declines for ten weeks. The S&P 500 dropped 1.5%, while the Nasdaq Composite slumped 3.3%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 0.6%.
 
Investors have been cautious in the opening sessions of 2024, as they awaited further clarity on when interest rate cuts will begin, and how quickly they will happen.