U.S. stocks dipped Friday amid inflation and rate policy concerns, despite a strong holiday shopping season.

U.S. stocks declined Friday in the post-Christmas trading session, as markets reacted to ongoing concerns about inflation, interest rate policy, and economic growth despite a strong holiday shopping season. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq dropped modestly, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average edged lower, reflecting cautious investor sentiment ahead of key economic data releases next week.