# Stock Market Today: Nasdaq Edges Up, Dow Under Pressure; Gold Stocks Advance
In a mixed day for the U.S. stock market, the Nasdaq Composite managed to gain ground while the Dow Jones Industrial Average faced headwinds following an unexpected consumer price index (CPI) inflation report. Amidst these fluctuations, the semiconductor sector showed resilience, with companies like TSMC benefiting from robust sales, further underscoring the ongoing volatility in the market.
Background Context and Key Details
On Friday, investors reacted to the latest CPI report, which revealed inflation levels that were higher than analysts had anticipated. This unexpected data has raised concerns about the potential for the Federal Reserve to maintain its aggressive stance on interest rates, causing uncertainty among traders. The Dow Jones index, which is often seen as a barometer of the broader economic landscape, experienced fluctuations throughout the day, struggling under the weight of rising inflation fears.
Conversely, the Nasdaq Composite, which is heavily weighted towards technology stocks, saw a modest increase. This uptick can be attributed to strong performances in key technology sectors, particularly the semiconductor industry. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), a major supplier for companies like Nvidia, reported impressive sales figures that exceeded market expectations, further buoying investor sentiment. TSMC's stock surged as analysts highlighted the company's ability to adapt to changing market conditions and demand.
Meanwhile, gold stocks experienced a notable advance as investors sought refuge in safe-haven assets amid the uncertainty surrounding inflation and interest rates. The allure of precious metals often increases during turbulent market conditions, and Friday was no exception. Stocks in the gold sector, including major producers, saw upward momentum as investors sought to hedge against potential economic instability.