NYSE Dow Jones finished today at:

[mullokintyre]

Wall Street will continue to fall.
The Commodity Trading Advisors have seen 190billion in negative trades in the next month.

Mick

 

[bigdog]

Wall Street falls in a manic day after briefly dropping more than 10% below its record

The U.S. stock market fell further following President Donald Trump’s latest escalation in his trade war, briefly pulling Wall Street 10% below its record set last month.

apnews.com

Wall Street falls in a manic day after briefly dropping more than 10% below its record​

By STAN CHOE
Updated 8:21 AM GMT+11, March 12, 2025

NEW YORK (AP) — The U.S. stock market fell further Tuesday following President Donald Trump’s latest escalation in his trade war, briefly pulling Wall Street 10% below its record set last month. And like it’s been for most of the past few weeks, the market’s slide on Tuesday was erratic and dizzying.

The S&P 500 fell 0.8%, but only after careening between a modest gain and a tumble of 1.5%. The main measure of Wall Street’s health finished 9.3% below its all-time high after flirting with the 10% threshold that professional investors call a “correction.”

Other indexes likewise swung sharply through the day. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 478 points, or 1.1%, and the Nasdaq composite ended up slipping 0.2%.

Such head-spinning moves are becoming routine in what’s been a scary ride for investors as Trump tries to remake the country and world through tariffs and other policies. Stocks have been heaving mostly lower on uncertainty about how much pain Trump is willing for the economy to endure in order to get what he wants.

And moves by Trump and comments by his White House on Tuesday didn’t clarify much.

Stocks began tumbling in the morning after Trump said he would double planned tariff increases on steel and aluminum coming from Canada. The president said it was a response to moves a Canadian province made after Trump began threatening tariffs on one of the United States’ most important trading partners.

Trump has acknowledged the economy could feel some “disturbance” because of the tariffs he’s pushing. Asked on Tuesday just how much pain Trump would be willing for the economy and stock market to take, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt declined to give an exact answer. But she said earlier in the press briefing that “the president will look out for Wall Street and for Main Street.”

For his part, Trump said earlier on social media, “The only thing that makes sense is for Canada to become our cherished Fifty First State. This would make all Tariffs, and everything else, totally disappear.”

Stocks pared their losses later in the day, even briefly eliminating them altogether, after Ontario’s premier said he had agreed to remove the surcharge on electricity that had enraged Trump so much. Trump would afterward say that he would “probably” return the steel and aluminum tariffs on Canada to 25%.

After that brief perk higher, though, stocks would go on to slide again into the end of trading.

Tuesday’s swings followed more warning signals flashing about the economy as Trump’s on -and- off -again rollout of tariffs creates confusion and pessimism for U.S. households and businesses.

Such tariffs can hurt the economy directly by raising prices for U.S. consumers and gumming up global trade. But even if they end up being milder than feared, all the whipsaw moves could create so much uncertainty that U.S. companies and consumers freeze, which would sap energy from the economy.

Delta Air Lines’ stock lost 7.3% after it said it’s already seeing a change in confidence among customers, which is affecting demand for close-in bookings for its flights. That pushed the airline to roughly halve its forecast for revenue growth in the first three months of 2025, down to a range of 3% to 4% from a range of 7% to 9%.

Southwest Airlines also cut its forecast for an important underlying revenue trend, and it pointed specifically to less government travel, among other reasons, including wildfires in California and “softness in bookings and demand trends as the macro environment has weakened.”

Its stock nevertheless rallied 8.3% after the airline said it would soon begin charging some passengers to check bags, among other announcements.

Oracle dropped 3.1% after the technology giant reported profit and revenue for the latest quarter that fell short of analysts’ expectations.

Helping to keep the market in check were several Big Tech stocks, which steadied a bit after getting walloped in recent months. Elon Musk’s Tesla rose 3.8%, for example, after Trump said he would buy a Tesla in a show of support for “Elon’s ‘baby.’”

Tesla’s sales and brand have been under pressure as Musk has led efforts in Washington to cut spending by the federal government. Tesla’s stock is down 42.9% for the young year so far.

Other Big Tech superstars, which had led the market to record after record in recent years, also held a bit firmer. Nvidia added 1.7% to trim its loss for the year so far to 19%. It’s struggled as the market’s sell-off has particularly hit stocks seen as getting too expensive in Wall Street’s frenzy around artificial-intelligence technology.

Because Nvidia, Tesla and other Big Tech stocks have grown so massive in size, their movements carry much more weight on the S&P 500 and other indexes than any other company.

All told, the S&P 500 fell 42.49 points to 5,572.07. The Dow dropped 478.23 to 41,433.48, and the Nasdaq composite slipped 32.23 to 17,436.10.

In stock markets abroad, which have mostly been beating the United States so far this year, indexes fell across much of Europe and Asia.

Stocks rose 0.4% in Shanghai and were nearly unchanged in Hong Kong as China’s annual national congress wrapped up its annual session with some measures to help boost the slowing economy.

In the bond market, Treasury yields clawed back some of their tumbles in recent months. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.28% from 4.22% late Monday. In January, it was nearing 4.80%, before it began sinking on worries about the U.S. economy.

A report released Tuesday morning showed U.S. employers were advertising 7.7 million job openings at the end of January, just as economists expected. It’s the latest signal that the U.S. job market remains relatively solid overall, for now at least, after the economy closed last year running at a healthy pace.

ASX 200 expected to fall again​

The Australian share market looks set to fall again on Wednesday following a mixed night of trade on Wall Street.

According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 75 points or 0.9% lower this morning.

The U.S. stock market fell further Tuesday following President Donald Trump’s latest escalation in his trade war, briefly pulling Wall Street 10% below its record set last month. And like it’s been for most of the past few weeks, the market’s slide on Tuesday was erratic and dizzying.

The S&P 500 fell 0.8%, but only after careening between a modest gain and a tumble of 1.5%. The main measure of Wall Street’s health finished 9.3% below its all-time high after flirting with the 10% threshold that professional investors call a “correction.”

Other indexes likewise swung sharply through the day. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 478 points, or 1.1%, and the Nasdaq composite ended up slipping 0.2%.

All told, the S&P 500 fell 42.49 points to 5,572.07. The Dow dropped 478.23 to 41,433.48, and the Nasdaq composite slipped 32.23 to 17,436.10.

The White House has confirmed that Australian steel and aluminium would be hit with punitive 25 per cent tariffs, while ASX futures have priced in another sharp fall this morning.

 

[bigdog]

Wall Street rises after encouraging inflation data, but the trade war keeps knocking stocks around

U.S. stock indexes rose after getting some relief from an encouraging inflation update. But even on a rare up day for the market, President Donald Trump’s trade war still knocked stocks around on Wednesday.

apnews.com

Wall Street rises after encouraging inflation data, but the trade war keeps knocking stocks around​

By STAN CHOE
Updated 8:16 AM GMT+11, March 13, 2025

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stock indexes rose Wednesday after Wall Street got some relief from an encouraging inflation update. But even on a rare up day for the market, President Donald Trump’s trade war still knocked stocks around.

The S&P 500 gained 0.5% after skidding between an early gain of 1.3% and a later loss. The unsettled trading came a day after the index briefly fell more than 10% below its all-time high set last month.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average also pinballed sharply, careening between a rise of 287 points and a drop of 423. It ended with a loss of 82 points, or 0.2%, while the Nasdaq composite climbed 1.2%.

The inflation report, which showed overall prices rose less for U.S. consumers last month than economists expected, helped companies in the artificial-intelligence industry lead the way. It’s a bounce back after AI stocks got crushed recently by worries their prices had gone too stratospheric in the market’s run to record after record in recent years.

Nvidia climbed 6.4% to trim its loss for the year so far to 13.8%. Server-maker Super Micro Computer rose 4%, and GE Vernova, which is helping to power AI data centers, gained 5.1%.

Elon Musk’s Tesla, whose price had more than halved since mid-December, rallied 7.6% for its first back-to-back gain in nearly a month.

Even with such gains, though, more stocks in the S&P 500 fell than rose. Among the hardest hit were businesses that could be set to feel pain because of Trump’s trade war.

Brown-Forman, the company behind Jack Daniel’s whiskey, tumbled 5.1%, and Harley-Davidson sank 5.7%.

U.S. bourbon and motorcycles are just two of the products the European Union is targeting with its own tariffs announced on U.S. products. The moves were in response to Trump’s 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum that kicked in earlier in the day.

Canada also hit back with tariffs announced on U.S. tools, sports equipment and other products.

“We deeply regret this measure,” European Union President Ursula von der Leyen said. “Tariffs are taxes. They are bad for business, and worse for consumers.”

The question hanging over Wall Street is how much pain Trump will let the economy endure through tariffs and other policies. He’s said he wants manufacturing jobs back in the United States, along with a smaller U.S. government workforce, more deportations and other things.

Even if Trump ultimately goes with milder tariffs, damage could still be done. The dizzying barrage of on -again, off -again announcements on tariffs has already begun sapping confidence among U.S. consumers and businesses by ramping up uncertainty. That could cause U.S. households and businesses to pull back on spending, which would hurt the economy.

On Tuesday, for example, Trump said he would double tariffs announced on Canadian steel and aluminum, only to walk it back later in the day after a Canadian province pledged to drop a retaliatory measure that had incensed Trump.

Several U.S. businesses have said they’ve already begun seeing a change in behavior among their customers.

Delta Air Lines sank 3% to compound its drop of 7.3% from the prior day, when the carrier said it’s seeing demand weaken for close-in bookings for its flights.

Casey’s General Stores, the Ankeny, Iowa-based company that runs nearly 2,900 convenience stores in 20 states, offered some encouragement. It reported stronger profit and revenue for the latest quarter than analysts expected thanks in part to strength for sales of hot sandwiches and fuel. It also kept steady its forecast for upcoming revenue this year.

Casey’s stock rose 6.2%.

All told, the S&P 500 rose 27.23 points to 5,599.30. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 82.55 to 41,350.93, and the Nasdaq composite jumped 212.35 to 17,648.45.

In stock markets abroad, indexes rose across much of Europe following mixed sessions in Asia.

In the bond market, Treasury yields edged up to regain more of their losses from recent months sparked by worries about the U.S. economy’s strength. The 10-year Treasury rose to 4.31% from 4.28% late Tuesday and from 4.16% at the start of last week.

Wednesday’s better-than-expected inflation report gave some encouragement when worries are high that Trump’s tariffs could drive prices even higher for U.S. households after U.S. importers pass on the costs to their customers.

It’s also helpful for the Federal Reserve, which had been cutting interest rates last year to boost the economy before pausing this year, partly because of concerns about stubbornly high inflation.

Worries had been rising about a worst-case scenario for the economy and for the Fed, where economic growth stagnates but inflation remains high. The Fed has no good tool to fix such “stagflation” because lower interest rates can push inflation higher.

“Trends that would suggest a cold economy and hot inflation are still in the early stages, but uncertainty remains high,” according to Phil Segner, senior research analyst at Leuthold.

Or, as Brian Jacobsen, chief economist at Annex Wealth Management, said: “The tariff story is just beginning.”

ASX 200 expected to rebound​

The Australian share market looks set to rebound on Thursday following a positive night of trade on Wall Street.

According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 18 points or 0.25% higher this morning.

U.S. stock indexes rose Wednesday after Wall Street got some relief from an encouraging inflation update. But even on a rare up day for the market, President Donald Trump’s trade war still knocked stocks around.

The S&P 500 gained 0.5% after skidding between an early gain of 1.3% and a later loss. The unsettled trading came a day after the index briefly fell more than 10% below its all-time high set last month.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average also pinballed sharply, careening between a rise of 287 points and a drop of 423. It ended with a loss of 82 points, or 0.2%, while the Nasdaq composite climbed 1.2%.

 

[bigdog]

Wall Street tumbles 10% below its record for first 'correction' since 2023 on Trump's trade war

Wall Street’s sell-off hit a new low following President Donald Trump’s latest escalation in his trade war.

apnews.com

Wall Street tumbles 10% below its record for first ‘correction’ since 2023 on Trump’s trade war​

By STAN CHOE
Updated 7:47 AM GMT+11, March 14, 2025

NEW YORK (AP) — Wall Street’s sell-off hit a new low Thursday after President Donald Trump’s escalating trade war dragged the S&P 500 more than 10% below its record, which was set just last month.

A 10% drop is a big enough deal that professional investors have a name for it — a “correction” — and the S&P 500’s 1.4% slide on Thursday sent the index to its first since 2023. The losses came after Trump upped the stakes in his trade war by threatening huge taxes on European wines and alcohol. Not even a double-shot of good news on the U.S. economy could stop the bleeding.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 537 points, or 1.3% Thursday, and the Nasdaq composite fell 2%.

The dizzying, battering swings for stocks have been coming not just day to day but also hour to hour, and the Dow hurtled between a slight gain and a drop of 689 points on Thursday.

The turbulence is a result of uncertainty about how much pain Trump will let the economy endure through tariffs and other policies in order to reshape the country and world as he wants. The president has said he wants manufacturing jobs back in the United States, along with a smaller U.S. government workforce and other fundamental changes.

Trump’s latest escalation came Thursday when he threatened 200% tariffs on Champagne and other European wines, unless the European Union rolls back a “nasty” tariff announced on U.S. whiskey. The European Union unveiled that move on Wednesday, in response to U.S. tariffs on European steel and aluminum.

U.S. households and businesses have already reported drops in confidence because of all the uncertainty about which tariffs will stick from Trump’s barrage of on -again, off -again announcements. That’s raised fears about a pullback in spending that could sap energy from the economy. Some U.S. businesses say they’ve already begun to see a change in their customers’ behavior because of the uncertainty.

A particularly feared scenario for the economy is one where its growth stagnates but inflation stays high because of tariffs. Few tools are available in Washington to fix what’s called “stagflation.” If the Federal Reserve were to cut interest rates to boost the economy, for example, that could also push inflation higher.

Good news came on both those economic fronts Thursday.

One report showed inflation at the wholesale level last month was milder than economists expected. It followed a similarly encouraging report from the prior day on inflation that U.S. consumers are feeling.

But “the question for markets is whether good news on the inflation front can make itself heard above the noise of the ever-changing tariff story,” said Chris Larkin, managing director, trading and investing, at E-Trade from Morgan Stanley.

A separate report, meanwhile, said fewer U.S. workers applied for unemployment benefits last week than economists expected. It’s the latest signal that the job market remains relatively solid overall. If that can continue, it could allow U.S. consumers to keep spending, and that’s the main engine of the economy.

On Wall Steet, some stocks connected to the artificial-intelligence industry resumed their slide and weighed on stock indexes. Palantir Technologies, which offers an AI platform for customers, sank 4.8%. Super Micro Computer, which makes servers, lost 8%. Nvidia swung between gains and losses before finishing with a dip of 0.1%.

Such stocks have been under the most pressure in the U.S. stock market’s recent sell-off after critics said their prices shot too high in the frenzy around AI.

Other areas of the market that had also been riding big earlier momentum have seen their fortunes swing drastically. Elon Musk’s Tesla fell 3% following a rare back-to-back gain, and it’s down more than 40% so far in 2025.

American Eagle Outfitters dropped 4.1% after the retailer said “less robust demand and colder weather” have held back its performance recently. It forecasted a dip in revenue for the upcoming year, though it also delivered a stronger profit report for the latest quarter than analysts expected.

On the winning side of Wall Street was Intel, which jumped 14.6% after naming former board member and semiconductor industry veteran Lip-Bu Tan as its CEO. Tan, 65, will take over the daunting job next week, more than three months after Intel’s previous CEO, Pat Gelsinger, abruptly retired amid a deepening downturn at the once-dominant chipmaker.

All told, the S&P 500 lost 77.78 points to 5,521.52. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 537.36 to 40,813.57, and the Nasdaq composite sank 345.44 to 17,303.01.

In the bond market, Treasury yields lost an early gain to sink lower. The yield on the 10-year Treasury fell to 4.27% from 4.32%. The yield has been mostly dropping since January, when it was approaching 4.80%, as traders and economists have ratcheted back their expectations for U.S. economic growth.

While few are predicting a recession, particularly with the job market remaining relatively solid, recent reports have shown a souring of confidence among U.S. consumers and companies.

In stock markets abroad, indexes fell across much of Europe and Asia, but the moves were relatively modest.

ASX 200 expected to fall​

The Australian share market looks set to edge lower on Friday after another selloff in the United States.

According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open 12 points or 0.15% lower this morning.
Wall Street’s sell-off hit a new low Thursday after President Donald Trump’s escalating trade war dragged the S&P 500 more than 10% below its record, which was set just last month.

A 10% drop is a big enough deal that professional investors have a name for it — a “correction” — and the S&P 500’s 1.4% slide on Thursday sent the index to its first since 2023. The losses came after Trump upped the stakes in his trade war by threatening huge taxes on European wines and alcohol. Not even a double-shot of good news on the U.S. economy could stop the bleeding.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 537 points, or 1.3% Thursday, and the Nasdaq composite fell 2%.

The dizzying, battering swings for stocks have been coming not just day to day but also hour to hour, and the Dow hurtled between a slight gain and a drop of 689 points on Thursday.

All told, the S&P 500 lost 77.78 points to 5,521.52. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 537.36 to 40,813.57, and the Nasdaq composite sank 345.44 to 17,303.01.

 

[bigdog]

Wall Street rallies to its best day in months, but that’s not enough to salvage its losing week

U.S. stocks rallied to their best day since November's election, but that wasn't enough to keep Wall Street from a fourth straight losing week.

apnews.com

Wall Street rallies to its best day in months, but that’s not enough to salvage its losing week​

By STAN CHOE
Updated 8:29 AM GMT+11, March 15, 2025

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks rallied to their best day in months on Friday as Wall Street’s roller coaster suddenly shot back upward. That still wasn’t enough to keep the U.S. market from a fourth straight losing week, its longest such streak since August.

The S&P 500 jumped 2.1% a day after closing more than 10% below its record for its first “ correction ” since 2023. The last time the index shot up that much was the day after President Donald Trump’s election, when Wall Street was focusing on the upsides of Trump’s return to the White House.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 674 points, or 1.7%, and the Nasdaq composite jumped 2.6%.

A multi-day “relief rally could be coming” after so much negativity built among investors, said Yung-Yu Ma, chief investment officer at BMO Wealth Management. Swings in sentiment don’t go full-tilt in just one direction forever, and the U.S. stock market has been tumbling quickly since setting a record less than a month ago.

One piece of uncertainty hanging over Wall Street may be clearing after the Senate made moves to prevent a possible partial shutdown of the U.S. government.

Past shutdowns have not been a huge deal for financial markets. But any reduction of uncertainty can be helpful when so much of it has been sending the U.S. stock market on big, scary swings not just day to day but also hour to hour.

To be sure, the heaviest uncertainty remains with Trump’s escalating trade war. There, the question is how much pain Trump will let the economy endure through tariffs and other policies in order to reshape the country and world as he wants. The president has said he wants manufacturing jobs back in the United States, along with a smaller U.S. government workforce and other fundamental changes.

While stock prices may be close to finishing their reset to account for tariffs set to hit in April, Ma said concerns about how big an impact cutbacks in federal spending will have on the economy are “likely to remain for some time.”

U.S. households and businesses have already reported drops in confidence because of all the uncertainties created by Trump’s barrage of on -again, off -again tariff announcements and other policies. That’s raised fears about a pullback in spending that could sap energy from the economy.

Worries look to be only worsening among U.S. households, according to a preliminary survey released Friday by the University of Michigan. Its measure of consumer sentiment sank for a third straight month, mostly because of concerns about the future rather than complaints about the present. The job market and overall economy look relatively solid at the moment.

“Many consumers cited the high level of uncertainty around policy and other economic factors,” according to Joanne Hsu, direct of the survey, and “frequent gyrations in economic policies make it very difficult for consumers to plan for the future, regardless of one’s policy preferences.”

Such fears have Wall Street focused on whether companies are seeing the souring mood of consumers translating into real pain for their businesses.

Ulta Beauty jumped 13.7% after the beauty products retailer reported stronger profit for the latest quarter than analysts expected.

The company’s forecasts for upcoming revenue and profit fell short of analysts’ targets, but Chief Financial Officer Paula Oyibo said it wanted to be cautious “as we navigate ongoing consumer uncertainty.” Analysts said the forecasts appeared better than feared.

Gains for Big Tech stocks and companies in the artificial-intelligence industry also helped support the market. Such stocks have been under the most pressure in the recent sell-off after critics said their prices shot too high in the frenzy around AI.

Nvidia rose 5.3% to trim its loss for 2025 so far below 10%. Apple climbed 1.8% to pare its loss for the week, which at one point had been on pace to be its worst since the 2020 COVID crash.

All told, the S&P 500 rose 117.42 points to 5,638.94. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 674.62 to 41,488.19, and the Nasdaq composite rallied 451.07 to 17,754.09.

In stock markets abroad, indexes rose across much of Europe and Asia.

Stocks jumped 2.1% in Hong Kong and 1.8% in Shanghai after China’s National Financial Regulatory Administration issued a notice ordering financial institutions to help develop consumer finance and encourage use of credit cards, do more to aid borrowers who run into trouble and be more transparent in their lending practices.

Economists say China needs consumers to spend more to get the economy out of its doldrums, although most have advocated broader, more fundamental reforms.

In the bond market, Treasury yields rose to recover some of their sharp recent losses. The yield on the 10-year Treasury climbed to 4.31% from 4.27% late Thursday and from 4.16% at the start of last week.

Yields have been swinging since January, when the 10-year yield was approaching 4.80%. When worries worsen about the U.S. economy’s strength, yields have fallen. When those worries lessen, or when concerns about inflation rise, yields have climbed.

 

[bigdog]

ASX 200 expected to jump​

The Australian share market looks set for a strong start to the week following a very positive finish on Wall Street on Friday.

According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 85 points or 1.15% higher.

U.S. stocks rallied to their best day in months on Friday as Wall Street’s roller coaster suddenly shot back upward. That still wasn’t enough to keep the U.S. market from a fourth straight losing week, its longest such streak since August.

The S&P 500 jumped 2.1% a day after closing more than 10% below its record for its first “ correction ” since 2023. The last time the index shot up that much was the day after President Donald Trump’s election, when Wall Street was focusing on the upsides of Trump’s return to the White House.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 674 points, or 1.7%, and the Nasdaq composite jumped 2.6%.

All told, the S&P 500 rose 117.42 points to 5,638.94. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 674.62 to 41,488.19, and the Nasdaq composite rallied 451.07 to 17,754.09.

 

[bigdog]

Stock market today: Wall Street rises again

U.S. stocks climbed again as Wall Street's wild roller-coaster ride veers back upward. The S&P 500 rose 0.6% Monday for a second straight gain after falling 10% below its recent record last week.

apnews.com

Wall Street rises again​

By STAN CHOE
Updated 8:06 AM GMT+11, March 18, 2025

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks climbed again on Monday as Wall Street’s wild roller-coaster ride veers back upward.

The S&P 500 rose 0.6% for a second straight gain after it fell 10% below its record late last week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 353 points, or 0.9%, and the Nasdaq composite added 0.3%.

More big swings could be ahead, with a decision by the Federal Reserve on interest rates coming later in the week and worries continuing about President Donald Trump’s trade war.

Stocks have been mostly tumbling on worries that Trump’s rat -a- tat announcements on tariffs and other policies are creating so much uncertainty that they’ll push U.S. households and businesses to freeze their spending, which would hurt the economy. Surveys have shown sharp drops in confidence, and some companies are already warning about changes in behavior from their customers.

A report on Monday said U.S. retailers broadly saw weaker revenue last month than economists expected, but it may not have been quite as bad as it seemed on the surface.

Much of the shortfall in growth versus expectations was due to weaker-than-forecast sales of automobiles and lower fuel costs. Outside of them, the performance was closer to expectations.

Treasury yields initially rose immediately following the report’s release. That’s often an indication of firming confidence among bond investors about the strength of the U.S. economy, though yields quickly yo-yoed afterward through the day.

“In our view, this morning’s February retail sales report offers evidence of a limited, modest economic slowdown, rather than signaling a gathering recession,” said Jennifer Timmerman, investment strategy analyst at Wells Fargo Investment Institute.

It’s a sharp turnaround for investors even to be talking about a possible recession after the U.S. economy closed last year running at a solid rate. Excitement at the time was also building about policies coming from Trump to accelerate growth. To be sure, hiring still remains relatively healthy, and that could help keep the economy growing. But the talk about recession by itself could sap confidence.

That’s the precarious stage onto which Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell will step Wednesday, when he announces the Fed’s latest decision on interest rates.

Virtually no one expects the Fed to make a move Wednesday. The central bank has been keeping rates steady so far this year, preferring to see how conditions play out. Earlier, heading into the end of last year, it had been cutting rates sharply in hopes of relaxing pressure on the U.S. economy after high inflation had slowed.

Wall Street’s focus will be on what Powell says about the rest of the year. Expectations are still high the Fed may cut its main interest rate two or three times in 2025. The risk of cutting interest rates too quickly or aggressively is that it could push up inflation. But keeping rates too high for too long could also create unnecessary pain for the economy by slowing borrowing and overall activity.

On Wall Street, Intel climbed 6.8% to extend its gains after the chip company named former board member and semiconductor industry veteran Lip-Bu Tan as its CEO last week.

PepsiCo added 1.9% after saying it agreed to buy Poppi, a prebiotic soda brand, for a net $1.65 billion.

They helped offset a 4.8% drop for Tesla. The electric-vehicle company’s stock has been struggling this year amid worries that its brand has become too intertwined with Elon Musk, who has been leading efforts to cut spending by the U.S. government. Tesla vehicles and dealerships have become targets of people unhappy with Trump and his policies.

All told, the S&P 500 rose 36.18 points to 5,675.12. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 353.44 to 41,841.63, and the Nasdaq composite climbed 54.58 to 17,808.66.

In the bond market, Treasury yields were mixed. The yield on the 10-year Treasury went from 4.28% shortly before the release of the retail sales report to nearly 4.33% immediately afterward. It then pulled back to 4.29%, down from its 4.31% level late Friday.

In stock markets abroad, indexes rose across much of Europe and Asia.

Chinese markets rose after the government reported stronger than expected factory data. Later Monday, officials briefed reporters about Beijing’s efforts to get consumers to spend more, seen as key to getting the economy out of its doldrums.

Stocks rose 0.8% in Hong Kong and 0.2% in Shanghai. Stock markets outside the United States have been beating Wall Street so far this year, flipping the leaderboard after years of U.S. dominance.

ASX 200 expected to rise again​

The Australian share market is expected to rise again on Tuesday following a strong session in the United States.

According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is poised to open the day 53 points or 0.7% higher.

U.S. stocks climbed again on Monday as Wall Street’s wild roller-coaster ride veers back upward.

The S&P 500 rose 0.6% for a second straight gain after it fell 10% below its record late last week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 353 points, or 0.9%, and the Nasdaq composite added 0.3%.

All told, the S&P 500 rose 36.18 points to 5,675.12. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 353.44 to 41,841.63, and the Nasdaq composite climbed 54.58 to 17,808.66

More big swings could be ahead, with a decision by the Federal Reserve on interest rates coming later in the week and worries continuing about President Donald Trump’s trade war.

 

[bigdog]

Stock market today: Back down goes Wall Street as Big Tech resumes its slide

Wall Street swung back down, and its former superstars once again led the way. The S&P 500 lost 1.1% Tuesday for its latest swerve in a jarring, weekslong ride.

apnews.com

Back down goes Wall Street as Big Tech resumes its slide​

By STAN CHOE
Updated 7:49 AM GMT+11, March 19, 2025

NEW YORK (AP) — Wall Street swung back down on Tuesday, and its former superstars once again led the way.

The S&P 500 dropped 1.1% for its latest swerve in a scary ride, where it tumbled by 10% from its record and then rallied for two straight days. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 260 points, or 0.6%, and the Nasdaq composite sank 1.7%.

Tesla was one of the heaviest weights on the market after falling 5.3%. The electric-vehicle maker’s stock has been struggling on worries that it will lose sales because of anger at its CEO, Elon Musk, who has been leading efforts to cut spending by the U.S. government. EV rivals, meanwhile, continue to chip away at its business. China’s BYD on Monday announced an ultra-fast charging system that it says is nearly as quick as a gasoline fill-up.

Alphabet sank 2.2% after the owner of Google said it would buy cybersecurity firm Wiz for $32 billion. It would be the company’s most expensive purchase in its 26-year history, and it could boost the tech giant’s in-house cloud computing amid burgeoning artificial-intelligence growth.

The drop for Big Tech continues a trend that’s taken hold in the market’s recent sell-off: Stocks whose momentum had earlier seemed unstoppable have since dropped sharply following criticism they had simply grown too expensive.

Chief among them have been stocks that zoomed higher in the frenzy around AI technology. Nvidia fell 3.3% as it hosted an event known as “AI Woodstock.” Super Micro Computer, which makes servers, lost 9.6%. Palantir Technologies, which offers an AI platform for customers, sank 4%.

They’ve been among the biggest losers as Wall Street retrenches amid uncertainty about what President Donald Trump’s trade war will do to the economy. Trump’s rat -a- tat announcements on tariffs and other policies have created worries that U.S. households and businesses could hold pull on their spending, which would hurt the economy.

It all makes things more complicated for the Federal Reserve, which is beginning its latest meeting on interest-rate policy and will make its announcement on Wednesday.

The Fed could lower its main interest rate, which would make it easier for U.S. businesses and households to borrow. That in turn could boost the economy. But lower interest rates can also push inflation upward, and U.S. consumers have already begun bracing for higher inflation because of tariffs.

Virtually everyone on Wall Street expects the Fed to hold its main interest rate steady on Wednesday, as it waits for clues about how conditions play out. The job market, for the moment at least, appears relatively stable after the economy closed last year running at a solid rate.

More attention will be on the forecasts the Fed will publish after the meeting, showing where officials expect interest rates, inflation and the economy to head in upcoming years. For now, traders on Wall Street are largely expecting the Fed to deliver two or three cuts to rates by the end of 2025.

One of the reasons the U.S. stock market’s sell-off in recent weeks has “so far been orderly,” with the epicenter remaining within tech, may be because of faith that the Fed can protect Wall Street, according to strategists at Barclays. If conditions were to deteriorate quickly, the Fed could cut rates to support the economy.

Such faith “crucially could be put to test this week” if the Fed appears to be more concerned about inflation than a weakening economy, at least relative to the market’s expectations, according to the Barclays strategists led by Venu Krishna.

All told, the S&P 500 fell 60.46 points to 5,614.66 Tuesday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 260.32 to 41,581.31, and the Nasdaq composite fell 304.55 to 17,504.12.

In stock markets abroad, indexes rose across much of Europe and Asia. They’ve been largely doing better than the U.S. stock market this year, flipping a years long trend and forcing questions about whether the end has arrived for what was called “U.S. exceptionalism.”

Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 1.2%. Investors expect the Bank of Japan to keep its benchmark interest rate unchanged at a monetary policy board meeting due to wrap up Wednesday.

Trading on Indonesia’s stock exchange was suspended temporarily as the benchmark JSX tumbled as much as 6%. But it later pared the loss to 3.8%.

Investors have been sending shares of state-owned banks lower after the government launched a sovereign wealth fund, called Danantara, that so far has not proven popular. Worries over U.S. tariffs and other risks have also shaken confidence in the economy of the world’s fourth-most populous nation, said Budi Frensidy, a professor at the University of Indonesia.

In the bond market, the yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury note fell to 4.28% from 4.31% late Monday.

ASX 200 expected to fall​

The Australian share market looks set to fall on Wednesday following a poor night of trade on Wall Street.

According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 52 points or 0.65% lower this morning.

Wall Street swung back down on Tuesday, and its former superstars once again led the way.

The S&P 500 dropped 1.1% for its latest swerve in a scary ride, where it tumbled by 10% from its record and then rallied for two straight days. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 260 points, or 0.6%, and the Nasdaq composite sank 1.7%.

Tesla was one of the heaviest weights on the market after falling 5.3%. The electric-vehicle maker’s stock has been struggling on worries that it will lose sales because of anger at its CEO, Elon Musk, who has been leading efforts to cut spending by the U.S. government. EV rivals, meanwhile, continue to chip away at its business. China’s BYD on Monday announced an ultra-fast charging system that it says is nearly as quick as a gasoline fill-up.

All told, the S&P 500 fell 60.46 points to 5,614.66 Tuesday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 260.32 to 41,581.31, and the Nasdaq composite fell 304.55 to 17,504.12.

 

[bigdog]

Stock market today: Wall Street rallies as pressure eases from the bond market after Fed decision

U.S. stocks climbed after the Federal Reserve said the economy still looks healthy enough to keep interest rates where they are. The S&P 500 jumped 1.1% Wednesday.

apnews.com

Wall Street rallies as pressure eases from the bond market after Fed decision​

By STAN CHOE
Updated 8:24 AM GMT+11, March 20, 2025

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks climbed Wednesday after the Federal Reserve said the economy still looks healthy enough to keep interest rates where they are. Wall Street also got a boost from easing yields in the bond market.

The S&P 500 jumped 1.1%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 383 points, or 0.9%, and the Nasdaq composite rose 1.4%.

The rally followed weeks of sharp and scary swings for the U.S. stock market. Uncertainty is high about how much pain President Donald Trump will allow the economy to endure in order to remake the system. He’s said he wants manufacturing jobs back in the United States and far fewer people working for the federal government.

Trump’s barrage of announcements on tariffs and other policies have created so much uncertainty that economists worry U.S. businesses and households may freeze and pull back on their spending.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell acknowledged the rising pessimism among U.S. consumers and companies shown by recent surveys, but he also pointed to data showing the economy is solid at the moment, such as a relatively low unemployment rate. He said it’s possible to have periods where “people say downbeat things about the economy and then go out and buy a new car.”

“Given where we are, we think our policy is in a good place to react to what comes, and we think that the right thing to do is to wait here for greater clarity about what the economy’s doing,” Powell said.

The Fed has been holding interest rates steady this year, after cutting them sharply through the end of last year. While lower rates can help give the economy a boost, they can also push inflation upward.

Fed officials indicated they’re still penciling in two cuts to the federal funds rate by the end of this year, just as they were forecasting at the end of last year. But they are also seeing weaker growth for the U.S. economy and higher inflation than they were before. More than anything, the message from the Fed seemed to be how much uncertainty is clouding everything.

“What would you write down?” Powell said when asked about the continued forecasts for two cuts to rates this year. “It’s really hard to know how this is going to work out.”

Powell, though, pushed back against fears about what’s called “ stagflation,” where the economy stagnates but inflation remains high. The Fed doesn’t have good tools to fix such a toxic combination. The last time the U.S. economy suffered through it was in the 1970s, and Powell said, “I wouldn’t say we’re in a situation that’s remotely comparable to that.”

Stocks also got a boost from lower Treasury yields in the bond market. When Treasurys are paying investors less in interest, they can encourage investors to pay higher prices for stocks.

The yield on the 10-year Treasury dropped to 4.24% from 4.31% just before the Fed announced its decision. The Fed said it will also begin paring the monthly reductions of its trove of Treasurys beginning in April. Such a move can help keep longer-term yields lower than they would otherwise be.

Powell repeated several times that the move was more technical than a hint about coming changes in policy. “It isn’t sending a signal in any hidden way,” he said.

Yields for shorter-term Treasurys also fell as traders built up expectations for the Fed to deliver as many as three cuts to rates by the end of this year. They’re betting on a 55% chance of that, up from 44% a day earlier, according to data from CME Group.

On Wall Street, Nvidia helped support the market after rising 1.8% to cut its loss for the year so far to 12.5%. It hosted an event Tuesday where it largely “did a nice job laying out the roadmap” and fighting back against speculation the artificial-intelligence industry is seeing a slowdown in demand for computing power, according to UBS analysts led by Timothy Arcuri.

Tesla rose 4.7%, following two straight losses of roughly 5%. It’s still down 41.6% for 2025 so far. It’s been struggling on worries that customers are turned off by CEO Elon Musk’s leading efforts to slash spending by the U.S. government.

On the losing side of Wall Street was General Mills, which fell 2.1% despite reporting a stronger profit for the latest quarter than analysts expected.

The cereal and snack maker’s revenue fell short of analysts’ targets, in part because of a slowdown in sales for snacks. General Mills also cut forecasts for revenue and profit over its full fiscal year, partly because it expects “macroeconomic uncertainty” to continue to affect its customers.

All told, the S&P 500 rose 60.63 points to 5,675.29. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 383.32 to 41,964.63, and the Nasdaq composite jumped 246.67 to 17,750.79.

In stock markets abroad, Japan’s Nikkei 225 slipped 0.2% after the Bank of Japan held steady on its own interest rates, as was widely expected. Japan also reported a trade surplus for February, with exports rising more than 11% as manufacturers rushed to beat rising tariffs imposed by Trump.

Other indexes were mixed across Europe and Asia

ASX 200 expected to jump​

The Australian share market looks set to jump on Thursday following a strong night of trade on Wall Street.

According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 51 points or 0.65% higher this morning.

U.S. stocks climbed Wednesday after the Federal Reserve said the economy still looks healthy enough to keep interest rates where they are. Wall Street also got a boost from easing yields in the bond market.

The S&P 500 jumped 1.1%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 383 points, or 0.9%, and the Nasdaq composite rose 1.4%.

The rally followed weeks of sharp and scary swings for the U.S. stock market. Uncertainty is high about how much pain President Donald Trump will allow the economy to endure in order to remake the system. He’s said he wants manufacturing jobs back in the United States and far fewer people working for the federal government.

All told, the S&P 500 rose 60.63 points to 5,675.29. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 383.32 to 41,964.63, and the Nasdaq composite jumped 246.67 to 17,750.79.

 

[bigdog]

Stock market today: Wall Street edges lower despite solid data on the economy

U.S. stock indexes edged lower following another reminder that big, unsettling policy changes are underway because of President Donald Trump, along with more signals suggesting the U.S. economy remains solid for now.

apnews.com

Wall Street edges lower despite solid data on the economy​

By STAN CHOE
Updated 8:50 AM GMT+11, March 21, 2025

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stock indexes edged lower Thursday following another reminder that big, unsettling policy changes are underway because of President Donald Trump, along with more signals suggesting the U.S. economy remains solid for now.

The S&P 500 slipped 0.2% after flipping between modest gains and losses through the day. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped by 11 points, or less than 0.1 %, and the Nasdaq composite fell 0.3%.

Wall Street has been swinging for weeks on a roller-coaster ride, as stock prices veer on uncertainty about what Trump’s trade war will do to the economy. Stocks got a boost Wednesday after the head of the Federal Reserve said the economy remains solid enough at the moment to leave interest rates where they are.

More data arrived Thursday to bolster that view. One report said slightly fewer U.S. workers filed for unemployment benefits last week than economists expected. It’s the latest sign of a potentially “low fire, low hire” job market.

A separate report said sales of previously occupied homes were stronger last month than economists expected, while a third said manufacturing growth in the mid-Atlantic region appears to be better than economists expected.

But Fed Chair Jerome Powell also stressed on Wednesday that extremely high uncertainty is making it difficult to forecast what will happen next.

It’s not just uncertainty about the trade war affecting Wall Street. Accenture fell to one of the market’s larger losses Thursday even though the consulting and professional services company reported slightly better profit and revenue for the latest quarter than analysts expected.

Worries are rising about the hit Accenture may take to its revenue from the U.S. government as Elon Musk leads efforts to cut federal spending. The federal government accounted for 17% of Accenture’s North American revenue last fiscal year, and its stock sank 7.3%.

The broad U.S. stock market was likely due for its recent drop, which took it more than 10% below its all-time high in just a few weeks, after prices climbed much faster than corporate profits to make it look too expensive, according to Barry Bannister, chief equity strategist at Stifel.

He said the S&P 500 could bounce higher in the near term, particularly after Fed officials indicated Wednesday they see room to cut interest rates twice this year. Lower interest rates would give a boost to the economy, as well as prices for investments. The market has also traditionally had “relief rallies” after major, long-term upward runs for stocks cracked, Bannister said.

But he expects stock prices to remain under pressure as the economy’s growth slows more sharply in the second half of the year and as inflation remains stubbornly high. That could create a mild form of “stagflation,” which is something the Fed doesn’t have good tools to fix. The Fed could lower interest rates further to help the economy, but that would also push upward on inflation.

On Wall Street, Darden Restaurants climbed 5.8% after reporting profit for the latest quarter that matched analysts’ expectations. That was despite what the company behind Olive Garden, Ruth’s Chris Steak House and other restaurant chains called “a challenging environment.”

All told, the S&P 500 slipped 12.40 points to 5,662.89. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 11.31 to 41,953.32, and the Nasdaq composite fell 59.16 to 17,691.63.

In stock markets abroad, London’s FTSE 100 fell 0.1% after the Bank of England held its main interest rate steady.

Indexes fell more sharply across much of the rest of Europe, and German stocks in the DAX lost 1.2%. The drop was even worse in Hong Kong, where the Hang Seng index fell 2.2% following heavy pressure on tech-related stocks.

In the bond market, the yield on the 10-year Treasury fell to 4.23% from 4.25% late Wednesday.

ASX 200 expected to fall​

The Australian share market looks set to fall on Friday following a subdued night of trade in the United States.

According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open 17 points or 0.2% lower this morning.

U.S. stock indexes edged lower Thursday following another reminder that big, unsettling policy changes are underway because of President Donald Trump, along with more signals suggesting the U.S. economy remains solid for now.

The S&P 500 slipped 0.2% after flipping between modest gains and losses through the day. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped by 11 points, or less than 0.1 %, and the Nasdaq composite fell 0.3%.

Wall Street has been swinging for weeks on a roller-coaster ride, as stock prices veer on uncertainty about what Trump’s trade war will do to the economy. Stocks got a boost Wednesday after the head of the Federal Reserve said the economy remains solid enough at the moment to leave interest rates where they are.

All told, the S&P 500 slipped 12.40 points to 5,662.89. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 11.31 to 41,953.32, and the Nasdaq composite fell 59.16 to 17,691.63.

 

[bigdog]

Stock market today: Wall Street closes higher, snapping a 4-week losing streak

U.S. stocks shook off a weak start and ended slightly higher, enough to break a four-week losing streak.

apnews.com

Wall Street closes higher, snapping a 4-week losing streak​

By DAMIAN J. TROISE and ALEX VEIGA
Updated 8:21 AM GMT+11, March 22, 2025

Stocks on Wall Street shook off a weak start and closed slightly higher Friday, snapping a four-week losing streak.

The S&P 500 edged up 0.1%. The index finished with a 0.5% gain for the week. It’s still down 4.8% so far this month.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average eked out a 0.1% gain, while the Nasdaq composite rose 0.5%.

Technology stocks, which had been the heaviest weights on the market in the early going, bounced back to offset a big share of the declines elsewhere in the S&P 500. The sector has been at the center of much of the market’s recent sell-off in a reversal from their market-driving gains throughout the previous year. The stocks are among the most valuable on Wall Street and have outsized impacts on the whether the market gains or loses ground.

Apple rose about 2% and Microsoft added 1.1%. Another Big Tech stock, Nvidia, fell 0.7%, while Micron Technology slid 8% for the biggest decline among S&P 500 stocks.

Stocks have been losing ground for weeks over uncertainty about the direction of the U.S. economy. A trade war between the U.S. and its key trading partners threatens to worsen inflation and hurt both consumers and businesses. Inflation remains stubbornly above the Federal Reserve’s goal of 2% and tariffs could hurt the central bank’s efforts to ease the rate of inflation.

President Donald Trump has set an April 2 deadline to impose more tariffs on trading partners. It follows a series of other deadlines that have been set for tariffs only to be postponed, sometimes at the last minute.

“Investors are confused, but there’s a lot less panic infusing the market,” said Mark Hackett, chief market strategist at Nationwide.

Businesses have been warning investors about tariffs, inflation and growing uncertainty about the impact to costs.

Nike slumped 5.5% after it forecast a steep decline in revenue in the current quarter, blaming geopolitical dynamics, new tariffs by the Trump administration and a less confident consumer.

FedEx tumbled 6.4% after the package delivery company said it expects revenue to be flat to slightly down year-over-year and lowered its per-share profit guidance.

Homebuilder Lennar fell 4% after giving investors a weaker-than-expected forecast for new orders and average sales prices for the current quarter. It said high interest rates, inflation, and waning consumer confidence are weighing on an already tough housing market.

High interest rates have been a key issue for the housing market. The Federal Reserve held its benchmark interest rate steady at its most recent meeting this week as it assesses the potential impact from tariffs and other U.S. policy shifts.

The Fed cut interest rates through the end of last year amid consistently easing inflation rates, but has been holding steady so far in 2025. Lower rates can bolster the economy, but they can also push inflation higher.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell has acknowledged that the economy remains solid, but stressed that uncertainty is making forecasting difficult.

“With Fed Chair Powell acknowledging that the effect of tariffs on consumer confidence, economic growth and inflation remain unknown, we might be in this below-water holding pattern until after April 2,” said Sam Stovall, chief investment strategist at CFRA.

A recent batch of economic reports on home sales, industrial production and unemployment reinforced the view that the economy is holding strong. But other reports on consumer sentiment and retail sales have revealed rising caution from consumers.

“We’re in really pessimistic territory,” Hackett said. “When everybody is pessimistic, that’s when a tiny bit of optimism can move markets pretty strongly.”

In the bond market, Treasury yields mostly held steady. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.25% from 4.23% late Thursday.

Airlines were under pressure. A fire knocked out power at London’s Heathrow Airport, forcing it to shut down and disrupting global travel for hundreds of thousands of passengers. Ryanair Holdings fell 1.5%.

Shares in several U.S.-based airlines were mixed. American Airlines rose 1.2%, United Airlines added 1.1% and Delta Air Lines fell 0.4%.

Troubled airplane maker Boeing surged 3.1% after Trump said Boeing will build the Air Force’s future fighter jet. The company has been facing scrutiny over safety issues for years.

Boeing’s rival in the defense sector, Lockheed Martin, slumped 5.8%.

All told, the S&P 500 rose 4.67 points to 5,667.56. The Dow gained 32.03 points to 41,985.35, and the Nasdaq rose 92.43 points to 17,784.05.

Markets in Europe fell. Britain’s FTSE 100 shed 0.6% after the Bank of England held its main interest rate steady a day earlier.

Germany’s DAX slipped 0.5%. German lawmakers voted for a budget that will boost defense and infrastructure spending.

 

[bigdog]

ASX 200 expected to fall​

The Australian share market looks set to fall on Monday despite a decent finish on Wall Street on Friday.

The ASX's solid run — it gained almost 2% last week — looks like coming to a halt with the S&P/ASX 200 futures down 41 points or 0.5% lower this morning.

Stocks on Wall Street shook off a weak start and closed slightly higher Friday, snapping a four-week losing streak.

The S&P 500 edged up 0.1%. The index finished with a 0.5% gain for the week. It’s still down 4.8% so far this month.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average eked out a 0.1% gain, while the Nasdaq composite rose 0.5%.

Technology stocks, which had been the heaviest weights on the market in the early going, bounced back to offset a big share of the declines elsewhere in the S&P 500.

All told, the S&P 500 rose 4.67 points to 5,667.56. The Dow gained 32.03 points to 41,985.35, and the Nasdaq rose 92.43 points to 17,784.05.

 

[bigdog]

Stock market today: Wall Street gains ground after shaking off four-week losing streak

Stocks closed broadly higher as Wall Street navigates through the uncertainty of a trade war. The S&P 500 jumped 1.8% Monday.

apnews.com

Wall Street gains ground after shaking off four-week losing streak​

By DAMIAN J. TROISE and ALEX VEIGA
Updated 7:30 AM GMT+11, March 25, 2025

Stocks closed broadly higher Monday amid hopes on Wall Street that the Trump administration may take a more targeted approach as it tees up a new round of tariffs on imported goods next week.

The S&P 500 jumped 1.8%. The index was coming off its first winning week after a four-week losing streak.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.4%, and the Nasdaq composite closed 2.3% higher.

“The market was primed to respond well if the administration pulled back on some of the tariff threats or even provided off ramps for the tensions, and that’s kind of what we’re seeing here,” said Ross Mayfield, investment strategist at Baird.

Despite the gains, the benchmark S&P 500 has lost 1.9% so far this year out of concerns that a trade war could hinder economic growth and increase inflationary pressures.

Wall Street remains focused on how tariffs could eventually impact inflation, consumer spending and economic growth. Stocks have been riding waves of hope and worry as tariffs are announced, then either implemented or pulled. A new round of tariffs scheduled to be implemented on April 2 could also be softened or postponed rather than take effect.

“The exact breadth and scale of the tariffs remain to be seen, and a cycle of tit-for-tat escalation is also possible in the weeks following the announcement, potentially triggering further bouts of market volatility,” said Ulrike Hoffmann-Burchardi, chief investment officer of global equities at UBS Global Wealth Management.

Gains on Monday were broad, with 84% of stocks within the S&P 500 ending higher. Nearly every sector within the index rose.

Technology stocks helped lead the way. The sector has been the driving force behind much of the broader markets movement, whether up or down. The stocks are among the most valuable on Wall Street and tend to have an outsized impact on the broader market’s direction.

Nvidia rose 3.2% and Apple added 1.1%.

Tesla climbed 11.9% for the biggest gain among S&P 500 stocks. The electric vehicle maker is still down about 31% for the year. It has been struggling on worries that customers are turned off by CEO Elon Musk’s leading efforts to slash spending by the U.S. government.

Genetics testing company 23andme lost more than half its value after it announced over the weekend that it had initiated voluntary bankruptcy proceedings.

AZEK Co. jumped 17.3% after the building materials company announced it was being bought by Australia’s James Hardie Industries in a cash-and-stock deal valued around $8.75 billion.

It’s the second large deal in the sector in less than a week, with QXO Inc. announcing on Thursday that it was buying Beacon Roofing Supply Inc. in a deal worth about $11 billion, including debt.

All told, the S&P 500 rose 100.01 points to 5,767.57. The Dow gained 597.97 points to 42,583,32. The Nasdaq rose 404.54 points to 18,188.59.

In the bond market, Treasury yields rose. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.34% from 4.25% late Friday.

Markets in Europe mostly closed lower, while indexes in Asia were mixed.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang struck a conciliatory tone during a meeting with business leaders and U.S. Senator Steve Daines, a strong supporter of President Donald Trump, who is the first member of Congress to visit Beijing since Trump took office in January.

Wall Street has several economic updates this week. Business group The Conference Board releases its consumer confidence survey for March on Tuesday. Wall Street expects the survey to show a slight dip in consumer confidence.

On Friday, the U.S. government releases the personal consumption expenditures price index for February. It is a measure of inflation closely watched by the Federal Reserve.

Recent economic reports have shown that the underlying economy remains strong, but that consumers are becoming more worried and cautious. They have also shown that inflation remains stubborn.

Stubborn inflation has prompted more caution from the Fed, which started cutting its benchmark interest rate at the end of 2024. Those cuts came after the central bank raised interest rates in order to cool inflation from a two-decade high.

Several measures of inflation show that interest rates remain just above the Fed’s goal of 2%. The U.S. trade war with its key trading partners has threatened to reignite inflation and the Fed is holding off on further cutting interest rates to see how inflation and the broader economy reacts.

Lower interest rates can ease borrowing costs and help give the economy a boost, but they can also push inflation higher.

ASX 200 expected to rise again​

The Australian share market is expected to rise again on Tuesday following a strong session in the United States.

According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is poised to open the day 36 points or 0.4% higher

Stocks closed broadly higher Monday amid hopes on Wall Street that the Trump administration may take a more targeted approach as it tees up a new round of tariffs on imported goods next week.

The S&P 500 jumped 1.8%. The index was coming off its first winning week after a four-week losing streak.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.4%, and the Nasdaq composite closed 2.3% higher.

All told, the S&P 500 rose 100.01 points to 5,767.57. The Dow gained 597.97 points to 42,583,32. The Nasdaq rose 404.54 points to 18,188.59.

 

[bigdog]

Stock market today: Wall Street drifts and Trump Media jumps despite souring moods for US consumers

Wall Street followed up one of its best days of the last year with a quiet day of trading. The S&P 500 rose 0.2% Tuesday after jumping 1.8% Monday on hopes that President Donald Trump's tariffs may not be as sweeping as feared.

apnews.com

Wall Street drifts and Trump Media jumps despite souring moods for US consumers​

By STAN CHOE
Updated 8:09 AM GMT+11, March 26, 2025

NEW YORK (AP) — Wall Street edged higher in a quiet Tuesday after roaring the day before on hopes that President Donald Trump’s tariffs may not be as sweeping as earlier feared.

The S&P 500 added 0.2% after jumping 1.8% Monday to one of its best days of the last year. The Dow Jones Industrial Average inched up by 4 points, or less than 0.1%, and the Nasdaq composite rose 0.5%.

U.S. stocks have recovered a chunk of their losses since falling 10% below their all-time high earlier this month, for their first “correction” since 2023. The S&P 500 is now down 6% from its record, and that drop has left the market looking less expensive than before, which had been a major criticism following its euphoric rise in earlier years.

But strategists along Wall Street warn that more sharp swings are still likely on the way with an April 2 deadline looming. That’s what Trump has called “Liberation Day,” when he will begin tariffs on trading partners that he says will roughly equal what he sees as the burden each of them puts on the United States. Monday’s spurt for Wall Street came on hopes that Trump’s “reciprocal” tariffs may be more targeted than had earlier been feared.

“We think markets are underplaying the risk of a tariff shock in early April,” according to Ajay Rajadhyaksha, global head of research at Barclays. He points not only to traders’ expectations for upcoming volatility in the stock market but also to the values of the Mexican peso and Canadian dollar, which haven’t weakened substantially from the last postponement of tariffs.

Even if Trump’s tariffs do end up being less painful for the global economy than feared, all the dizzying talk about them has already soured confidence among U.S. households and businesses. The fear is that could lead them to cut back on their spending and freeze the economy.

A report on Tuesday showed that pessimism among U.S. households is only worsening. The Conference Board’s measure of consumer confidence fell by more than expected, mostly because of a tumble for expectations about upcoming conditions in the short term. That dropped to its lowest level in 12 years and is sitting “well below the threshold of 80 that usually signals a recession ahead.”

Like other recent surveys, the data showed U.S. households are much more concerned about where the economy is heading than where it is currently. So far, actual economic activity and the job market seem to be holding up despite the worsening moods of U.S. companies and consumers.

On Wall Street, Trump Media & Technology Group climbed 8.9% after the company behind the president’s Truth Social platform said it had reached an agreement with Crypto.com to offer a suite of “America-First” investment funds.

The exchange-traded funds will hold bitcoin and other digital assets, along with what TMTG called “securities with a Made in America focus spanning diverse industries such as energy.” Crypto.com will support the backend technology, provide custody and supply the cryptocurrencies for the ETFs, which will operate under TMTG’s Truth.Fi brand.

Tesla rose 3.4% after drifting between modest gains and losses following more grim sales figures from Europe. Its stock nevertheless remains down nearly 29% for 2025 so far.

European sales of Tesla’s electric vehicles dropped by nearly half during the first two months of the year, compared with a year earlier, even as the overall market for battery-powered cars grew, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers Association.

In addition to an aging model line, drops in sales may be due in part to CEO Elon Musk’s endorsement of Germany’s far-right party in last month’s national election, his embrace of fringe political movements and a gesture during a Trump event in January that many saw as a Nazi salute. Tesla is also facing increasing competition from Chinese carmakers such as BYD.

Homebuilder KB Home dropped 5.2% after reporting weaker profit and revenue for the latest quarter than analysts expected. Already mired in a slump, homebuilders may face potentially rising costs due to tariffs, which they will have to pass on to buyers. A report on Tuesday morning said U.S. sales of new homes last month were slightly weaker than economists expected.

All told, the S&P 500 rose 9.08 points to 5,776.65. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 4.18 to 42,587.50, and the Nasdaq composite climbed 83.26 to 18,271.86.

In stock markets abroad, indexes rose in much of Europe following a mixed finish in Asia.

In the bond market, Treasury yields eased. The yield on the 10-year Treasury fell to 4.31% from 4.34% late Monday.

ASX 200 expected to rise​

The Australian share market looks set to rise on Wednesday despite a mixed night of trade on Wall Street.

According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 47 points or 0.6% higher this morning.

Wall Street edged higher in a quiet Tuesday after roaring the day before on hopes that President Donald Trump’s tariffs may not be as sweeping as earlier feared.

The S&P 500 added 0.2% after jumping 1.8% Monday to one of its best days of the last year. The Dow Jones Industrial Average inched up by 4 points, or less than 0.1%, and the Nasdaq composite rose 0.5%.

U.S. stocks have recovered a chunk of their losses since falling 10% below their all-time high earlier this month, for their first “correction” since 2023. The S&P 500 is now down 6% from its record, and that drop has left the market looking less expensive than before, which had been a major criticism following its euphoric rise in earlier years.

All told, the S&P 500 rose 9.08 points to 5,776.65. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 4.18 to 42,587.50, and the Nasdaq composite climbed 83.26 to 18,271.86

 

[bigdog]

Stock market today: Wall Street slumps as Nvidia, Tesla and other Big Tech stocks drop

Drops for Nvidia, Tesla and other former superstars dragged Wall Street lower. The S&P 500 fell 1.1% Wednesday.

apnews.com

Wall Street slumps as Nvidia, Tesla and other Big Tech stocks drop​

By STAN CHOE
Updated 8:05 AM GMT+11, March 27, 2025

NEW YORK (AP) — Drops for Nvidia, Tesla and other former superstars dragged Wall Street lower on Wednesday.

The S&P 500 sank 1.1% to break what had been a run of calmer trading. The Dow Jones Industrial Average swung from a gain of 230 points in the morning to a loss of 132 points, or 0.3%, while the weakness for Big Tech sent the Nasdaq composite to a market-leading drop of 2%.

The group of dominant stocks known as the “Magnificent Seven” has been at the center of the U.S. stock market’s recent sell-off, which earlier this month took the S&P 500 10% below its all-time high for its first “correction” since 2023. Big Tech had rocketed in earlier years amid a frenzy around artificial-intelligence technology, and critics said their prices rose too quickly compared with their already rapidly growing profits.

Nvidia fell 6% to bring its loss for the young year so far to 15.5%. It was the single heaviest weight on the S&P 500 by far.

Other AI-related stocks were also weak, including server-builder Super Micro Computer, which fell 8.9%, and power companies hoping to electrify AI data centers.

Tesla has been contending with additional challenges, including worries that political anger at its CEO, Elon Musk, will hurt the electric-vehicle maker’s sales. Tesla dropped 5.6% to extend its loss for 2025 to 32.6%.

Other U.S. automakers went on their own sharp swings after the White House said in the afternoon that President Donald Trump would announce tariffs on auto imports after trading ended for the day on the U.S. stock market.

U.S. auto giants have already spread their production around North America following prior free-trade deals encompassing the United States, Canada and Mexico. General Motors sank 3.1%. Ford Motor went from an early gain to a loss and back before inching up by 0.1%.

The U.S. stock market had been steadying somewhat following its drop into a correction, with a three-day winning streak running through Tuesday. But strategists along Wall Street have warned the sharp swings likely aren’t over yet, with a suite of U.S. tariffs scheduled to arrive next week. Even if those end up less painful for the global economy than feared, all the talk about tariffs has already soured confidence among U.S. consumers and companies.

Such weakening confidence and the threat of tariffs pushed Venu Krishna and other strategists at Barclays to cut their forecast for where the S&P 500 may end the year, down to 5,900 from 6,600. The new target suggests a 2% rise from Tuesday’s closing level instead of a 14% jump.

The Barclays strategists also slashed their estimate for how much profit S&P 500 companies will make this year, though they don’t see a recession.

Much still remains uncertain, and things will “hinge upon the final scope and severity of tariffs,” Krishna and the strategists wrote in a report. A walk-back in tariffs by Trump could send the S&P 500 up to 6,700, while more strict levies could send the index down to 4,400.

So far, the economy and job market have appeared to remain solid despite the worsening moods of shoppers and businesses, and economists are looking for signals about whether the hit to confidence is translating into actual pain for the economy. Another report on Wednesday morning offered little clarity.

Orders for machinery, airplanes and other long-lasting manufactured products unexpectedly grew last month, when economists were forecasting a contraction. But a subset of the data seen as an indicator for investment by businesses flipped from growth to contraction. That could be a signal businesses are holding back on spending to see how tariffs play out.

Treasury yields in the bond market, which often move with expectations for the U.S. economy’s strength, swiveled up and down following the report. The yield on the 10-year Treasury ended up rising to 4.34% from 4.31% late Tuesday.

On Wall Street, GameStop jumped 11.7% after the video-game retailer reported better results for the latest quarter than analysts expected. It also said it would begin investing part of its treasury in bitcoin.

Dollar Tree rose 3.1% after it said it’s selling Family Dollar to a pair of private equity firms for $1 billion after a decade of trying to make its acquisition of the bargain chain fit. Dollar Tree also reported stronger profit for the latest quarter than analysts expected.

Cintas climbed 5.8% after the provider of work uniforms, restroom supplies and other equipment reported stronger profit for the latest quarter than analysts expected.

All told, the S&P 500 fell 64.45 points to 5,712.20. The Dow Jones Industrial Average sank 132.71 to 42,454.79, and the Nasdaq composite tumbled 372.84 to 17,889.01.

In stock markets abroad, indexes were mixed across much of Europe and Asia. The FTSE 100 rose 0.3% in London after a report said U.K. inflation improved by a touch more than economists expected.

ASX 200 expected to tumble​

The Australian share market looks set to tumble on Thursday following a poor night of trade on Wall Street.

According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 49 points or 0.6% lower this morning.

Drops for Nvidia, Tesla and other former superstars dragged Wall Street lower on Wednesday.

The S&P 500 sank 1.1% to break what had been a run of calmer trading. The Dow Jones Industrial Average swung from a gain of 230 points in the morning to a loss of 132 points, or 0.3%, while the weakness for Big Tech sent the Nasdaq composite to a market-leading drop of 2%.

The group of dominant stocks known as the “Magnificent Seven” has been at the center of the U.S. stock market’s recent sell-off, which earlier this month took the S&P 500 10% below its all-time high for its first “correction” since 2023. Big Tech had rocketed in earlier years amid a frenzy around artificial-intelligence technology, and critics said their prices rose too quickly compared with their already rapidly growing profits.

All told, the S&P 500 fell 64.45 points to 5,712.20. The Dow Jones Industrial Average sank 132.71 to 42,454.79, and the Nasdaq composite tumbled 372.84 to 17,889.01.

 

[bigdog]

Stock market today: Wall Street slips following Trump's latest tariffs, despite solid economic data

Wall Street is getting pulled in different directions as President Donald Trump’s latest tariff escalation creates winners and losers among auto stocks.

apnews.com

Wall Street slips following Trump’s latest tariffs, despite solid economic data​

By STAN CHOE
Updated 7:59 AM GMT+11, March 28, 2025

NEW YORK (AP) — Wall Street edged lower Thursday after getting pulled in opposite directions as President Donald Trump’s latest tariff escalation creates winners and losers among auto stocks.

The S&P 500 slipped 0.3% after drifting between small gains and losses several times through the day. Better-than-expected data on the economy also helped support the market. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 155 points, or 0.4%, and the Nasdaq composite fell 0.5%.

General Motors sank 7.4% for one of the market’s sharper losses after Trump announced 25% tariffs on imported cars. Ford Motor dropped 3.9%.

Even U.S. automakers selling vehicles in the country can feel the pain of such tariffs because their supply chains are spread throughout North America. Trump says he wants more manufacturing to take place within the United States.

Currency traders work near a screen showing the Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI), top center left, and the foreign exchange rate between U.S. dollar and South Korean won, top center, at the foreign exchange dealing room of the KEB Hana Bank headquarters in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, March 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon, File)

Currency traders work near a screen showing the Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI), top center left, and the foreign exchange rate between U.S. dollar and South Korean won, top center, at the foreign exchange dealing room of the KEB Hana Bank headquarters in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, March 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon, File)

“There are still a lot of unknowns, but if this remains in place, there will clearly be some pain for the companies to digest,” according to UBS analyst Joseph Spak.

Among the uncertainties are how the U.S. government will determine how to apply tariffs to parts that are compliant with the free-trade agreement that the United States and Mexico and Canada have, but are not made entirely within the United States. Tracking parts could be difficult, according to Spak.

Automakers based outside the United States also sank. In Seoul, Hyundai Motor dropped 4.3%. In Tokyo, Honda Motor fell 2.5%, and Toyota Motor lost 2%.

But U.S. electric-vehicle makers Rivian and Tesla held up much better. They look to face less pressure from Trump’s tariffs because more of their production happens in the United States.

Rivian rallied 7.6%, and Elon Musk’s Tesla added 0.4% after paring an earlier, bigger gain.
New Toyota vehicles are stored at the Toyota Logistics Service, their most significant vehicle imports processing facility in North America, at the Port of Long Beach in Long Beach, Calif., Wednesday, March 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

New Toyota vehicles are stored at the Toyota Logistics Service, their most significant vehicle imports processing facility in North America, at the Port of Long Beach in Long Beach, Calif., Wednesday, March 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

Companies that could benefit from drivers opting against buying new cars also revved higher. Among auto parts retailers, AutoZone gained 4%, and O’Reilly Automotive climbed 3.1%. CarMax, which sells used autos, rose 2.5%.

Expectations are high for stock markets worldwide to remain shaky as an April 2 deadline approaches for tariffs. That’s what Trump has called “Liberation Day,” when he will roll out tariffs tailored to the United States’ trading partners. In each case, he said the “reciprocal” tariff will match the burden the other country places on the United States, including things like value-added taxes.

Hopes are still high that Trump may ultimately opt for more targeted or milder tariffs that are less painful for the global economy than feared. But even if he does, all the talk about tariffs has already made U.S. consumers and businesses feel more cautious and pessimistic. If such sour moods convince them to pull back on their spending, it could hurt the economy.

So far, the economy has seemed to be holding up.

One report on Thursday said slightly fewer workers applied for unemployment benefits last week than economists expected. It’s the latest sign the job market may be settling into a “low fire, low hire” state.

A second report said the U.S. economy’s growth during the final three months of last year was slightly stronger than earlier estimated.

The better-than-expected data helped Treasury yields in the bond market remain relatively steady. The yield on the 10-year Treasury edged up to 4.36% from 4.35% late Wednesday.

On Wall Street, Petco Health & Wellness jumped 31.6% after the retailer reported slightly stronger results for the latest quarter than analysts expected.

All told, the S&P 500 slipped 18.89 points to 5,693.31. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 155.09 to 42,299.70, and the Nasdaq composite fell 94.98 to 17,804.03.

In stock markets abroad, indexes fell across much of Europe after finishing mixed in Asia.

Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 0.6% following the losses for many of its automakers, and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said Thursday, “We strongly request that tariff measures not be applied to Japan.”

In China, stocks rose 0.1% in Shanghai and 0.4% in Hong Kong.

Chinese automakers and parts manufacturers have been expanding sales around the world, but not in the United States, so any impact from the tariffs announcement would be an indirect one.

ASX 200 expected to edge higher​

The Australian share market looks set to edge higher on Friday despite a poor night of trade in the United States.

According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open 8 points or 0.1% higher this morning.
.
Wall Street edged lower Thursday after getting pulled in opposite directions as President Donald Trump’s latest tariff escalation creates winners and losers among auto stocks.

The S&P 500 slipped 0.3% after drifting between small gains and losses several times through the day. Better-than-expected data on the economy also helped support the market. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 155 points, or 0.4%, and the Nasdaq composite fell 0.5%.

General Motors sank 7.4% for one of the market’s sharper losses after Trump announced 25% tariffs on imported cars. Ford Motor dropped 3.9%.

Even U.S. automakers selling vehicles in the country can feel the pain of such tariffs because their supply chains are spread throughout North America. Trump says he wants more manufacturing to take place within the United States.

All told, the S&P 500 slipped 18.89 points to 5,693.31. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 155.09 to 42,299.70, and the Nasdaq composite fell 94.98 to 17,804.03.

 

[divs4ever]

despite solid economic data

assuming the data is actually solid ( and for the last 5 years i have been very cynical on the data ) that implies there is less chance of another Fed rate cut ... or have we morphed into a world is where 'good news is GOOD news ' again

 

[bigdog]

Wall Street tumbles, and S&P 500 drops 2% on worries about slower economy and higher inflation

Another wipeout slammed Wall Street as worries built about a potentially toxic mix of worsening inflation and a U.S. economy slowing because of households afraid to spend due to the global trade war.

apnews.com

Wall Street tumbles, and S&P 500 drops 2% on worries about slower economy and higher inflation​

By STAN CHOE
Updated 8:27 AM GMT+11, March 29, 2025

NEW YORK (AP) — Another wipeout walloped Wall Street Friday. Worries are building about a potentially toxic mix of worsening inflation and a U.S. economy slowing because of households afraid to spend due to the global trade war.

The S&P 500 dropped 2% for one of its worst days in the last two years. It thudded to its fifth losing week in the last six after wiping out what had been a big gain to start the week.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average sank 715 points, or 1.7%, and the Nasdaq composite fell 2.7%.

Lululemon Athletica led the market lower with a drop of 14.2%, even though the seller of athletic apparel reported a stronger profit for the latest quarter than analysts expected. It warned that its revenue growth may slow this upcoming year, in part because “consumers are spending less due to increased concerns about inflation and the economy,” said CEO Calvin McDonald.

Oxford Industries, the company behind the Tommy Bahama and Lilly Pulitzer brands, likewise reported stronger results for the latest quarter than expected but still saw its stock fall 5.7%. CEO Tom Chubb said it saw a “deterioration in consumer sentiment that also weighed on demand” beginning in January, which accelerated into February.

They’re discouraging data points when one of the main worries hitting Wall Street is that President Donald Trump’s escalating tariffs may cause U.S. households and businesses to freeze their spending. Even if the tariffs end up being less painful than feared, all the uncertainty may filter into changed behaviors that hurt the economy.

A report on Friday showed all types of U.S. consumers are getting more pessimistic about their future finances. Two out of three expect unemployment to worsen in the year ahead, according to a survey by the University of Michigan. That’s the highest reading since 2009, and it raises worries about a job market that’s been a linchpin keeping the U.S. economy solid.

A separate report also raised concerns after it showed a widely followed, underlying measure of inflation was a touch worse last month than economists expected. It followed reports on other measures of inflation for February, but this is the one the Federal Reserve pays the most attention to as it decides what to do with interest rates.

The report also showed that an underlying measure of how much income Americans are making, which excludes government social benefits and some other items, “has been treading water for the last three months,” said Brian Jacobsen, chief economist at Annex Wealth Management.

“Households aren’t in a good place to absorb a little tariff pain,” he said. “The Fed isn’t likely to run to the rescue either as inflation moved up more than expected in February.”

The Fed could return to cutting interest rates, like it was doing late last year, in order to give the economy and financial markets a boost. But such cuts would also push upward on inflation, which has been sticking above the Fed’s 2% target.

The economy and job market have been holding up so far, but if they were to weaken while inflation stays high, it would produce a worst-case scenario called “stagflation.” Policy makers in Washington have few good tools to fix it.

Some of Wall Street’s sharpest losses on Friday hit companies that need customers feeling confident enough to spend, and not just on yoga wear or beach clothes. Delta Air Lines lost 5%. Casino operator Caesars Entertainment dropped 5%. Domino’s Pizza sank 5.1%.

The heaviest weights on the market were Apple, Microsoft and other Big Tech stocks, whose massive sizes give their movements more sway over indexes. They and other stocks that had gotten caught up in the frenzy around artificial-intelligence technology have been among the hardest hit in Wall Street’s recent sell-off.

Their prices had shot up so much more quickly than their already fast-growing revenues and profits that critics said they looked too expensive. CoreWeave, whose cloud platform helps customers manage complex AI infrastructure, was flat in its first day of trading on the Nasdaq.

On the flip side, among the relatively few rising stocks on Wall Street were those that can make money almost regardless of what the economy does, such as utilities. American Water Works rose 2.2%.

All told, the S&P 500 fell 112.37 points to 5,580.94. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 715.80 to 41,583.90, and the Nasdaq composite lost 481.04 to 17,322.99.

Stock markets worldwide will likely remain shaky as an April 2 deadline approaches for more tariffs. That’s what Trump has called “Liberation Day,” when he will roll out tariffs tailored to each of the United States’ trading partners.

In stock markets abroad, indexes fell sharply in Japan and South Korea as automakers felt more pressure following Trump’s announcement that he plans to impose 25% tariffs on auto imports. Hyundai Motor fell 2.6% in Seoul, while Honda Motor fell 2.6%, and Toyota Motor sank 2.8% in Tokyo.

Thailand’s SET lost 1% after a powerful earthquake centered in Myanmar rattled the region, causing the prime minister to declare a state of emergency for the capital, Bangkok.

In the bond market, the yield on the 10-year Treasury tumbled to 4.25% from 4.38% late Thursday. It tends to fall when expectations for either U.S. economic growth or inflation are on the wane.

 

[bigdog]

ASX 200 expected to sink​

The Australian share market looks set to sink on Monday following another selloff on Wall Street on Friday.

According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 91 points or 1.1% lower.
.
Another wipeout walloped Wall Street Friday. Worries are building about a potentially toxic mix of worsening inflation and a U.S. economy slowing because of households afraid to spend due to the global trade war.

The S&P 500 dropped 2% for one of its worst days in the last two years. It thudded to its fifth losing week in the last six after wiping out what had been a big gain to start the week.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average sank 715 points, or 1.7%, and the Nasdaq composite fell 2.7%.

All told, the S&P 500 fell 112.37 points to 5,580.94. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 715.80 to 41,583.90, and the Nasdaq composite lost 481.04 to 17,322.99.

 

[bigdog]

Wall Street swings again as the approach of Trump's 'Liberation Day' wallops stock markets worldwide

President Donald Trump’s fast-approaching “Liberation Day” sent stock markets swinging sharply worldwide.

apnews.com

Wall Street swings again as the approach of Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ wallops stock markets worldwide​

By STAN CHOE
Updated 8:09 AM GMT+11, April 1, 2025

NEW YORK (AP) — President Donald Trump’s fast-approaching “Liberation Day” sent stock markets swinging sharply worldwide on Monday.

On Wall Street, the S&P 500 rose 0.6% in another roller-coaster day, after being down as much as 1.7% during the morning. The reversal helped the index shave its loss for the first three months of the year to 4.6%, making it the worst quarter in two-and-a-half years.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average also swerved higher after erasing an initial loss, and it climbed 417 points, or 1%. Slides for Tesla, Nvidia and other influential Big Tech stocks, though, sent the Nasdaq composite down 0.1%.

Such neck-twisting turns have become routine for the U.S. stock market recently because of uncertainty about what Trump will do with tariffs — and by how much they will worsen inflation and grind down growth for economies. Wall Street’s swings followed a sell-off that spanned the world earlier Monday as worries built about the effects of the tariffs that Trump says will bring manufacturing jobs back to the United States.

In Japan, the Nikkei 225 index dropped 4%. South Korea’s Kospi sank 3%, and France’s CAC 40 fell 1.6%.

Instead of stocks, prices strengthened for things considered safer bets when the economy is looking shaky. Gold rose again to briefly crest $3,160 per ounce.

Prices for Treasury bonds also climbed, which in turn sent their yields down. The yield on the 10-year Treasury fell to 4.21% from 4.27% late Friday and from roughly 4.80% in January.

On Wednesday, the United States is set to begin what Trump calls “ reciprocal ” tariffs, which will be tailored to match what he sees is the burden each country places on his, including things like value-added taxes. Much is still unknown, including exactly what the U.S. government will do on “Liberation Day.”

At Goldman Sachs, economists expect Trump to announce an average 15% reciprocal tariff. They also raised their forecast for inflation and lowered it for U.S. economic growth for the end of the year.

They now see a 35% chance of recession in the next year, up from an earlier forecast of 20%, “reflecting our lower growth forecast, falling confidence, and statements from White House officials indicating willingness to tolerate economic pain,” according to Goldman Sachs economist David Mericle.

If the April 2 tariffs end up being less onerous than investors fear — maybe Trump includes no additional tariff increases on China, for example — stocks could rally. But if they end up being a worst-case scenario, which gets businesses so fearful that they start cutting their workforces, stocks could sink much further.

Of course, there’s also the chance that April 2 does little to clear the uncertainty. It could end up being a “stepping stone for further negotiations” instead of a “clearing event” for the market, according to Michael Wilson and other strategists at Morgan Stanley.

“This means policy uncertainty and growth risks are likely to persist — it’s a question of to what degree,” Wilson wrote in a report.

One worry is that even if Trump’s tariffs end up being less harsh than feared, all the uncertainty created by them alone could cause U.S. households and businesses to freeze their spending, which would hurt an economy that had been running at a solid pace to close last year.

Either way, some familiar names were among Wall Street’s hardest hit on Monday.

Tesla fell 1.7% to bring its loss for the year so far to 35.8%. It’s been one of the year’s worst performers in the S&P 500 in large part because of fears that the electric-vehicle maker’s brand has become too intertwined with its CEO, Elon Musk.

Musk has been leading U.S. government efforts to cut spending, making him a target of growing political anger, and protests have swarmed Tesla showrooms as a result.

Other Big Tech stocks also struggled. They’ve been at the sell-off’s center in large part because of criticism that their stock prices had become too expensive. Critics pointed to how their prices rose faster than their already quick-growing profits in recent years.

Nvidia, which has ridden the frenzy around artificial-intelligence technology to become one of Wall Street’s most influential stocks, fell 1.2% to bring its loss for the year so far to 19.3%.

On the winning side of Wall Street was Mr. Cooper, which jumped 14.5% after the home loan servicer said it’s being bought by mortgage company Rocket in an all-stock deal valued at $9.4 billion. The deal comes just weeks after Rocket acquired real estate listing company Redfin, and Rocket’s stock fell 7.4%.

Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway rose 1.2% and was one of the strongest forces lifting the S&P 500. The parent of GEICO and other companies said earlier this year it’s sitting on $334.2 billion in unused cash. Such a large amount could indicate Buffett, who’s famous for buying when prices are low, may see little worth purchasing in a stock market that critics had called too expensive.

Newsmax surged 735% in a dizzying first day of trading for the stock of the news company. Its price was so volatile that trading of its stock was briefly halted a dozen times through the day.

All told, the S&P 500 rose 30.91 points to 5,611.85. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 417.86 to 42,001.76, and the Nasdaq composite fell 23.70 to 17,299.29.

ASX 200 expected to rebound​

The Australian share market is expected to rise on Tuesday following a mixed session in the United States.

According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is poised to open the day 67 points or 0.9% higher.
.
President Donald Trump’s fast-approaching “Liberation Day” sent stock markets swinging sharply worldwide on Monday.

On Wall Street, the S&P 500 rose 0.6% in another roller-coaster day, after being down as much as 1.7% during the morning. The reversal helped the index shave its loss for the first three months of the year to 4.6%, making it the worst quarter in two-and-a-half years.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average also swerved higher after erasing an initial loss, and it climbed 417 points, or 1%. Slides for Tesla, Nvidia and other influential Big Tech stocks, though, sent the Nasdaq composite down 0.1%.

The S&P 500 had its biggest quarterly decline since the third quarter of 2022, and its biggest monthly percentage loss since December 2022.

It was a similar monthly milestone for the Nasdaq, which had its worst quarter since Q2 2022.

All told, the S&P 500 rose 30.91 points to 5,611.85. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 417.86 to 42,001.76, and the Nasdaq composite fell 23.70 to 17,299.29.