The CNN Money Fear & Greed Index declined to 31 from 38 on Thursday, remaining in the Fear zone as U.S. stocks ended lower. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell around 317 points to 52,064.10, while the S&P 500 dropped 0.58% to 7,591.70 and the Nasdaq Composite lost 0.65% to 26,081.72. U.S. crude oil prices moved above $100 per barrel, increasing concern about inflation. Headline PPI (measure of wholesale price changes) rose 0.4% month-over-month, matching forecasts, while the annual rate accelerated to 5.4% from a revised 4.8% and exceeded the 5.3% consensus. Markets priced in roughly a 70% chance of a 25-basis-point Federal Reserve rate increase after the data. Friday's consumer price index is expected to show headline inflation holding at 3.4% and core inflation easing to 2.4%. Macy's shares fell around 5% after the retailer reported better-than-expected second-quarter fiscal 2026 results but gave a weaker-than-expected third-quarter earnings outlook. Cooper Companies dropped 15% after mixed third-quarter results and a FY26 guidance cut below estimates. Materials, information technology and utilities were the weakest S&P 500 sectors, while communication services and consumer staples rose. Investors were awaiting results from Kroger, Hooker Furnishings and MoneyHero.