S&P Dow Jones Indices Market Attributes: U.S. Index Dashboard

Uncertainty in China spilled over into global markets and, coupled with falling commodity prices, fueled market gyrations and helped to catalyze a long-awaited correction in U.S. equity markets. The S&P 500® and the Dow Jones Industrial Average® both ended the month down 6% on a total return basis, posting the worst month since May 2012 and entering into negative territory year-to-date. Volatility spiked in August as VIX ended the month up 135%.
Mid- and Small-cap U.S. equities also struggled in August as the S&P MidCap 400® and the S&P SmallCap 600® declined 6% and 5%, respectively. Defensive strategies outperformed, as the S&P 500 Low Volatility High Dividend Index declined 4%.
Commodities declined again in August, as the Dow Jones Commodity Index ended the month down 1%, while the S&P GSCI finished flat. Agriculture was the weakest sector, declining 3%.