US markets today: Wall Street drifts lower into quieter close; tariff walk-backs cap volatility

US stocks edged lower on Friday as a turbulent week marked by tariff threats and reversals headed toward a calmer finish, with investors turning cautious amid limited clarity on trade and geopolitical signals.In early trade, the S&P 500 slipped 0.1%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 258 points, or 0.5%, AP reported. The Nasdaq Composite was largely flat. Markets were on track to end a second straight week with modest losses after sharp swings earlier in the week.Sentiment remained guarded after US President Donald Trump said he had reached a “framework” with Nato on Greenland, even as details remained sparse and no agreement has been signed. Trump had earlier walked back tariff threats against several European allies, which had triggered heavy volatility earlier in the week.Stock-specific moves added to pressure. Intel tumbled sharply after issuing a weaker-than-expected forecast for the first quarter, citing supply constraints despite beating profit expectations. The stock’s slide weighed on broader technology sentiment.Bond and currency markets were relatively subdued compared to earlier turbulence. Long-term Japanese government bond yields eased after spiking to record levels earlier in the week, helping calm global markets. The 40-year Japanese bond yield slipped below 4% after breaching that mark previously.In Europe, markets were mixed in midday trade, with Germany’s DAX marginally higher while France’s CAC 40 slipped. Asian markets closed mostly higher, led by gains in Japan after the Bank of Japan held rates steady and slightly upgraded its outlook for inflation and growth.Commodities traded firmer. Gold rose 0.6% to around $4,945 an ounce, while silver jumped more than 3%, nearing the $100 level, reflecting continued safe-haven demand. In energy markets, US crude rose above $60 a barrel, while Brent crude climbed past $65.Overall, markets appeared to be catching their breath after a volatile week, with investors awaiting clearer signals on trade policy and the global economic outlook.