Dow plummets following FBI warning on terrorist attacks

US Treasuries rose yesterday as Wall Street stocks closed lower for the fifth straight week, pushing investors toward the safety…

US Treasuries rose yesterday as Wall Street stocks closed lower for the fifth straight week, pushing investors toward the safety of government securities.

Dow Jones Industrial Average: 9,253.79 (-177.98)

Analysts said an FBI warning that terrorists might try to use fuel tanker trucks for attacks in the United States or against US interests overseas gave further impetus to the safety bid.

"The market traded in response to losses in equities and the new terrorist warnings from the FBI gave the market a late day push," said Ms Gemma Wright, director and market strategist for the Americas at Barclays Capital.

READ MORE

"There was also a desire not to go home short over the weekend," said Chris Rupkey, senior financial economist at Bank of Tokyo/Mitsubishi.

Analysts said the outlook for Treasuries was still positive, with prices likely to go higher and yields lower next week.

Federal Reserve policy-makers are scheduled to gather for a two-day meeting on Tuesday and Wednesday, but Wall Street expects the Fed to keep interest rates steady at 40-year lows.

  • Join The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date

  • Sign up to the Business Today newsletter for the latest new and commentary in your inbox

  • Listen to Inside Business podcast for a look at business and economics from an Irish perspective