Key Takeaways
- US equities opened mixed on Friday, August 15, 2025, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average climbing significantly by 260.62 points (0.58%) to 45,171.88, while the S&P 500 saw a modest gain and the NASDAQ edged lower.
- US industrial production unexpectedly declined by 0.1% in July, missing expectations, and capacity utilization also fell to 77.5%, signaling a potential slowdown in the manufacturing sector.
- Pfizer (PFE) announced the failure of its Phase 3 trial for Inclacumab, a drug aimed at sickle cell disease, failing to meet its primary endpoint.
- European gas costs have dropped to their lowest level in a year, providing some relief on energy prices, while German 30-year bond yields rose to 3.33%.
US Markets See Mixed Open
US stock markets opened with varied performance on Friday, August 15, 2025. The Dow Jones Industrial Average led the gains, rising 260.62 points, or 0.58 percent, to reach 45,171.88 shortly after the market opened.
In contrast, the S&P 500 posted a more modest increase, up 6.27 points, or 0.10 percent, trading at 6,474.81. The technology-heavy NASDAQ Composite, however, saw a slight decline, falling 4.99 points, or 0.02 percent, to 21,705.68.
Industrial Production and Capacity Utilization Decline in July
New economic data released for July 2025 indicates a contraction in US industrial activity. US Industrial Production (M/M) fell by 0.1%, missing the estimated 0.0% and down from the previous month's 0.3% gain.
Manufacturing production remained flat at 0.0%, while specific sectors like motor vehicles & parts, utilities, and mining all saw declines. Concurrently, the US Capacity Utilization Rate dropped to 77.5% in July, slightly below the estimated and previous rate of 77.6%.
Pfizer's Sickle Cell Drug Trial Fails
Pharmaceutical giant Pfizer (PFE) faced a setback with its experimental drug, Inclacumab. The company announced that its Phase 3 trial for Inclacumab, intended for the treatment of sickle cell disease, failed to achieve its main goal. This development could impact Pfizer's (PFE) pipeline in the rare disease segment.
European Gas Prices Hit One-Year Low as German Bond Yields Rise
In the commodities market, European gas costs have significantly decreased, reaching their lowest level in a year. This indicates a notable shift in energy prices across the continent.
Meanwhile, the European bond market saw movement as German 30-Year Bonds continued to decline, with their yield rising by 7 basis points to 3.33%. This increase in yield suggests a decrease in the bond's price.
Ed Liston is a senior contributing editor at TheStockMarketWatch.com. An active market watcher and investor, Ed guides an independent team of experienced analysts and writes for multiple stock trader publications.