Dow34584.88-166.44(-0.48%)Nasdaq15043.96-137.96(-0.91%)SP 5004432.99-40.76(-0.91%)10-yr Note -26/321.376NYSEAdv 1148 Dec 2016 Vol 3.3 blnNasdaqAdv 2141 Dec 1946 Vol 6.5 bln Industry Watch Strong: Health CareWeak: Information Technology, Materials, Utilities, Communication Services, Industrials Moving the Market -- Downside momentum, risk aversion, cash-raising efforts -- Negative-sounding headlines -- S&P 500 closes below 50-day moving average (4436)-- Consumer sentiment report for August misses expectations by a small margin -- Weakness in semiconductor space amid analyst downgrades S&P 500 closes below key technical levelDow -166.44 at 34584.88, Nasdaq -137.96 at 15043.96, S&P -40.76 at 4432.99 [BRIEFING.COM] The S&P 500 fell 0.9% on Friday, as investors digested some negative-sounding headlines and hedged for further weakness. The Nasdaq Composite declined 0.9%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 0.5%. The Russell 2000, however, increased 0.2% amid the quadruple witching-options expiration activity into the close. Ten of the 11 S&P 500 sectors closed lower, with the materials (-2.1%), information technology (-1.5%), utilities (-1.6%), communication services (-1.3%), and industrials (-1.1%) sectors losing more than 1.0%. The health care sector (+0.1%) was saved by Thermo Fisher ($TMO 596.80, +36.36, +6.5%), which provided upbeat FY22 EPS guidance. Risk sentiment seemed to be partially influenced by news that President Biden was unable to get Senator Manchin (D-WV) on board with the $3.5 trillion infrastructure plan, a warning from the White House that not increasing the debt limit could cause a recession, and the FDA advisory committee voting against Pfizer's ($PFE 43.88, -0.59, -1.3%) COVID-19 booster vaccine for people 16 and older. While none of the news was viewed as surprising, they presumably reminded investors about some of the growth-oriented headwinds the market is facing. The S&P 500 breached support at its 50-day moving average (4436) on a closing basis. The tech sector weighed on the market amid weakness in its top-weighted components and the semiconductor stocks. BofA Securities downgraded both Cree ($CREE 85.70, -2.60, -2.9%) and Cirrus Logic ($CRUS 84.73, -3.45, -3.9%) to Underperform from Neutral. The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index declined 1.5%. Separately, the consumer sentiment report showed a smaller-than-expected gain following last month's shocking decline. The preliminary September reading for the University of Michigan Index of Consumer Sentiment increased to 71.0 (Briefing.com consensus 72.0) from 70.3 in August. The negative backdrop seemed to provoke some cash-raising efforts. The U.S. Dollar Index rose 0.3% to 93.21 while the 10-yr yield increased four basis points to 1.37% amid increased selling interest. The CBOE Volatility Index (20.81, +2.12, +11.3%) closed above the 20.00 level. The 2-yr yield was unchanged at 0.23%. WTI crude futures decreased 1.0%, or $0.70, to $71.92/BBL. Reviewing Friday's economic data: The preliminary September reading for the University of Michigan Index of Consumer Sentiment increased to 71.0 (Briefing.com consensus 72.0) from the final reading of 70.3 for August.The key takeaway from the report is the recognition that high prices have led to a decline in assessments of buying conditions for homes, vehicles, and household durables. That could lead to slower spending activity in the future if consumers hold off on purchases either because they think prices will come down if they wait longer or if they resist paying persistently high prices altogether in the absence of offsetting income gains. Looking ahead, investors will receive the NAHB Housing Market Index for September on Monday. S&P 500 +18.0% YTDNasdaq Composite +16.7% YTDDow Jones Industrial Average +16.0% YTDRussell 2000 +13.3% YTDSource: (Briefing.com) Disclosure: I may trade in the ticker symbols mentioned, both long or short. My articles represent my personal opinion and analysis and should not be taken as investment advice. Readers should do their own research before making decisions to buy or sell securities. Trading and investing include risks, including loss of principal. If you liked this article, please click the LIKE (thumbs up) button. Feel free to leave any comments, question, or opinions. (Sign-up if you haven't already done so). Follow us/bookmark us and check back occasionally for additional articles or comments on our page... Wild Tiger Trading - start/main page. .