The Dow Jones Industrial Average surged more than 250 points on Friday to snap a six-day losing streak as investors cheered better-than-expected corporate earnings. It was an upbeat end to a wild week on Wall Street.
A slew of worries, including Ebola, oil prices and the global economy, buffeted investors during the week and sent markets on a roller coaster ride of triple-digit swings in several sessions. On Thursday, for example, U.S. stocks ended little changed after the Dow recouped most of a 206-point deficit. Wall Street's so-called anxiety gauge, the Chicago Board Options Exchange volatility index (VIX), has doubled over the past month -- from 12 to 26 -- pointing to more tumultuous trading ahead. The benchmark S&P 500 index ended up almost 1.3 percent Friday, but still posted its longest weekly losing streak -- four straight -- in more than three years. It's down nearly 6 percent from its record high. The Nasdaq closed almost 1 percent higher.
IN-DEPTH
- THURSDAY: Stocks Close Mixed After Wild Day on Wall Street
- WEDNESDAY: Dow Closes Down 173 Points After Tumultuous Day
- TUESDAY: Dow Drops More Than 300 Points
-- NBC News staff, CNBC, Reuters