# Major US Indices Diverge as Nasdaq-100 Drops Weekly While Dow Jones Advances

- URL: https://stocks.freetheai.org/news/major-us-indices-diverge-as-nasdaq-100-drops-weekly-while-dow-jones-advances-250ccb
- Published: 2026-10-15T23:45:33Z
- Category: markets; sentiment: mixed; impact: medium
- Symbols: [NASDAQ:NDX](https://stocks.freetheai.org/symbols/NASDAQ-NDX)
- Written by our AI from expert market sources across the web for FreeTheAI Stocks, built by Vibhek Soni
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U.S. stock benchmark performance diverged over the week, with tech stocks pulling back while broader market indexes managed modest gains. The Nasdaq-100 Index (NDX) slipped 3.07% week to date, though it retains an 18% gain for the year. In contrast, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1% for the week, bringing its annual gain to 8.6%, while the NYSE Composite added 0.5% during the same period. Meanwhile, international assets faced pressure, with the iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (EWY) dropping roughly 12% on the week.

Individual corporate drivers and sector moves highlight changing market dynamics. Apple (AAPL) saw its shares rise 1.6% over four days ahead of Friday pre-orders for its new foldable smartphone, maintaining a 26% advance for 2026. In the financial sector, Charles Schwab reported a 38% quarterly surge in core net new assets. Conversely, several major financial institutions, including Travelers, M&T Bank, Citizens Financial, Regions Financial, and Truist, traded lower over the past three months. Outside equities, weather patterns tied to El Nino have stirred commodity markets, pushing sugar prices up 46% and copper up 10% since early June.

Investors will be watching market reaction to the official start of foldable phone pre-orders, alongside broader sector rotation between technology and financial stocks. Market participants are also keeping a close eye on commodity price swings and ongoing trends in international equity markets heading into upcoming trading sessions.

## Key points

- The Nasdaq-100 Index declined 3.07% for the week but maintains an 18% gain year to date.
- The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1% week to date, pushing its annual return to 8.6%.
- Apple prepares for foldable phone pre-orders on Friday with its stock up nearly 26% in 2026.
- Core net new assets at Charles Schwab jumped 38% during the recent quarter.
- Sugar prices have surged 46% and copper is up 10% since June 2 due to El Nino weather impacts.

## Questions and answers

### How did major market indexes perform this week?

The Nasdaq-100 Index dropped 3.07% for the week but remains up 18% year to date. In contrast, the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1% and the NYSE Composite added 0.5%.

### What is happening with Apple stock and its upcoming product release?

Apple pre-orders for its new foldable phone start on Friday. The stock gained 1.6% over four days, leaving it nearly 26% higher in 2026 and slightly below its recent peak.

### How are weather conditions affecting commodity prices?

El Nino weather patterns have driven significant commodity price moves, pushing sugar prices up 46% and copper up 10% since June 2, while wheat prices remained flat.