The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index gained 0.40% to end the week at 13,593.37. The US blue chips remained well-supported by the launch of the QE3. However, US factory and industrial output slumped last month, thus pushing the US blue chips index lower. Six out of nine business sectors included in the index climbed. The top-performers were basic materials and industrials. Alcoa and El du Pont de Nemours gained 2.18% and 2.17% while Caterpillar and 3M added 2.71% and 2.09%. Oil and gas firms were also on the upside amid higher crude oil prices. Chevron and Exxon Mobil advanced 0.59% and 1.17%. Financials were slightly higher, with Bank of America and American Express going up by 2.18% and 0.37%. At the same time, telecommunications created heavy pressure on the Dow Jones index. AT&T and Verizon Communications tumbled 2.33% and 2.30%.