Stocks on the New York Stock Exchange fluctuated on Friday as President Trump’s trade remarks with China caused uncertainty, leading to a mixed market close. The S&P 500 ended slightly lower, the Nasdaq fell 0.3%, and the Dow Jones gained 0.1%. This followed a day of modest gains triggered by strong earnings from Nvidia and conflicting court rulings on tariff policies.
President Trump’s social media post alleging China’s violation of trade agreements reignited tariff uncertainty. Earlier this month, the U.S. and China had agreed to reduce tariffs temporarily, boosting stock prices. However, the recent trade tensions have cast doubts on the future of trade policies, affecting market sentiment.
Alongside trade news, positive economic data emerged, with lower-than-expected inflation in April and increased consumer sentiment. This data, coupled with strong corporate earnings, contributed to the market’s overall positive performance in May.
Despite recent volatility, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq had their best monthly gains since November 2023, rising by 6.2% and 9.6%, respectively, in May. Notable tech stocks like Nvidia, Tesla, Amazon, and Alphabet experienced mixed performances, with some facing declines while others saw gains.
Some individual companies saw significant movements based on earnings reports. Costco Wholesale shares rose over 3% after beating expectations, while Gap Inc. shares plummeted 20% due to tariff concerns impacting its earnings outlook. Ulta Beauty surged around 12% following strong quarterly results, indicating continued consumer spending in the beauty sector.
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals faced a major setback, with its stock dropping 19% after a failed drug trial for a treatment targeting chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The news led to a decline in the S&P 500, with Regeneron being the top decliner.
Bitcoin prices fluctuated, reaching $104,600 in late trading, down from a recent high of $106,500. The 10-year Treasury note yield slightly decreased to 4.40%, while the U.S. dollar index rose by 0.2% to 99.44.
Overall, the market’s performance in May was influenced by trade developments, economic indicators, and corporate earnings. Despite uncertainties, investors remain cautiously optimistic about the future trajectory of the markets.
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