Stocks retreated from record highs Friday as risk appetite waned amid a political crisis in France and slumping U.S. consumer sentiment. Nevertheless, equities overcame a more hawkish stance from the Federal Reserve to end the week with gains.
The market ended a strong week on a downbeat note. Equities in Europe sold off ahead of the U.S. open after French President Emmanuel Macron's call for a snap election stoked fears that his centrist, pro-business Renaissance party could lose parliamentary seats to the far-right National Rally party or a left-wing coalition.
