2025-03-05 14:38:05US stocks fluctuated on Wednesday, as traders weighed escalating trade war developments alongside weak labor market data, raising further concerns about the strength of the US economy. The latest ADP report showed that the US private sector added just 77K jobs in February, the smallest increase in 7 months. Earlier in the week, the ISM Manufacturing PMI signaled that tariffs were taking a toll on the factory sector. Meanwhile, traders are bracing for the possibility of tariff relief after the Commerce Secretary suggested that the Trump administration may outline a pathway to easing trade restrictions on Mexican and Canadian goods covered by North America’s free trade agreement, with a decision expected in the afternoon. The energy sector booked the biggest loss while materials outperformed. Broadcom (1.2%), Meta (0.7%) and Microsoft (0.7%) were in the green while Exxon Mobil lost 1.3%. Also, Abercrombie & Fitch plunged more than 14% after issuing disappointing guidance.
2025-02-18 21:02:03The S&P 500 rose 0.2% to close at a new record on Tuesday, while the Nasdaq 100 and Dow Jones finished near the flatline. Investors weighed the potential end to the Ukraine war alongside developments surrounding tariffs and interest rates. Weakness in consumer discretionary and communication services, highlighted by a 2.7% drop in Meta Platforms and a 0.9% decline in Amazon, pressured the broader market. However, energy stocks outperformed, with Exxon Mobil gaining 1.8% and Energy Transfer rising 1.6%. Market participants closely monitored policy moves from the Fed and the White House, particularly regarding tariffs and interest rates. Treasury yields climbed, with the benchmark 10-year yield reaching 4.54%, as traders sought further clarity on the Fed's rate trajectory. Earnings season remained a focal point, with reports from Baidu and Alibaba contributing to global economic uncertainty.
2025-02-18 19:48:04The S&P 500 remained little changed in afternoon trading, hovering near record highs, while the Dow Jones and Nasdaq each declined more than 0.3%. Investors assessed the possibility of an end to the Ukraine war following the first top-level negotiations between the US and Russia since the 2022 invasion. Weakness in consumer discretionary and communication services, including a 3.7% drop in Meta Platforms and a 2% decline in Amazon, pressured the broader market. In contrast, energy stocks outperformed, with Exxon Mobil rising 2.2% and Energy Transfer gaining 1.3%. Meanwhile, market participants closely monitored policy developments from the Fed and the White House, particularly regarding tariffs and interest rates. Treasury yields climbed, with the benchmark 10-year yield reaching 4.54%, as traders sought clarity on the Fed’s rate trajectory. Earnings season also remained in focus, with upcoming reports from Baidu and Alibaba adding to uncertainty over the global economic outlook.