U.S. stocks ended higher on Friday, rounding out a strong week as investors assessed ongoing developments in global trade and saw renewed strength in major tech shares.
The S&P 500 rose 0.74% to close at 5,525.21, while the Nasdaq Composite gained 1.26% to finish at 17,282.94. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) lagged behind, ending just 20 points higher, or 0.05%, at 40,113.50.
All three indices advanced over the week, marking their second positive finish in the past three.
The S&P 500 posted a 4.6% weekly gain, and the Nasdaq surged 6.7%.
The Dow underperformed on a relative basis but still added 2.5% for the week.
April Performance:
The S&P 500 remains down 1.5% for the month, while the Dow has dropped 4.5%.
The Nasdaq has performed modestly better and is now in the green for the month.
Looking ahead, investors are bracing for a busy stretch. The upcoming earnings reports from tech heavyweights Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) are expected to play a significant role in shaping market sentiment.
Additionally, macroeconomic releases—including the first estimate of first-quarter GDP, the monthly jobs report, and the latest PCE inflation data—will likely influence expectations regarding the economic outlook and future monetary policy.
While trade concerns still loom, investors are keenly watching if recent market rebounds signal that the equity damage from tariff fears may have run its course.
Global Trade and Economic Outlook: Trade policy remains a crucial factor, with global uncertainties continuing to affect market sentiment. Investors are keeping a close eye on the ongoing developments in trade talks, particularly the effects of U.S. tariffs.
For insights into the impact of global economic conditions on specific sectors, such as the influence of sector growth and inflationary trends, you can refer to the Sector PE Ratio API. This provides valuable data for assessing sector performance, helping investors make informed decisions amidst fluctuating global trade dynamics.
What’s Next?
The market’s future direction will largely depend on whether recent earnings reports and economic data can further stabilize investor sentiment amid global trade policy uncertainties.
