Mumbai, Sept. 1 -- The Nasdaq slumped 249.61 points (1.2%) to 21,455.55, the S&P 500 slid 41.60 points (0.6%) to 6,460.26 and the Dow dipped 92.02 points (0.2%) to 45,544.88.

The major U.S. averages ended slightly lower for the week, with the S&P 500 dipping 0.1% and both the Dow and Nasdaq slipping 0.2%. The pullback reflected profit-taking after recent gains, though the S&P 500 still managed to notch a record closing high on Thursday. Market activity remained choppy as traders balanced optimism with caution.

Economic data showed consumer prices moved in line with expectations for July, keeping inflation trends steady. The PCE price index rose 0.2% for the month and held at 2.6% annually, while core PCE advanced 0.3%, pushing the yearl...