Dow Jones Industrial Average Edges Lower Amid Inflation Data, Labor Day Caution

New York, August 29, 2025 (Dow Jones Newswires) - The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 92.02 points, or 0.20%, to close at 45,544.88 on Friday, snapping a three-day winning streak and marking its fourth highest closing level in history.

Trading was muted as investors digested the latest Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) inflation report, which showed headline prices rising 0.2% in July and up 2.6% year-over-year-both in line with expectations-and core PCE (excluding food and energy) up 2.9% annually, the fastest pace since February 2025.

Despite the modest pullback on the day, August proved a banner month: the DJIA gained 3.20% in August, its largest one-month point and percentage increase since June 2025, extending its winning streak to four consecutive months with a 4-month gain of 11.99%-the best run since February 2024.

Market participants also contended with month-end portfolio rebalancing ahead of the long Labor Day weekend, as well as lingering concerns over the Federal Reserve’s rate path. Futures trading pointed to a modest rebound on Monday, although U.S. markets will remain closed for the holiday.