U.S. Stock Market Summary for Friday, March 14, 2025


Major Indices

  • S&P 500: +2.13% → 5,638.94
  • Dow Jones: +1.65% → 41,488.19
  • Nasdaq 100: +2.49% → 19,704.63
  • Russell 2000: +2.53% → 2,044.10

Market Overview

U.S. stocks rallied sharply Friday, marking their strongest single-day performance in months. The rebound was fueled by relief over a potential government shutdown being averted. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed support for the GOP's six-month stopgap spending bill, calming investor nerves.

Despite Friday’s gains, Wall Street ended the week in the red: S&P 500 fell 2.3%, Dow 3.1%, Nasdaq 2.4%—registering a fourth straight week of losses.

The University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment index dropped to 57.9, the lowest in two years, while 1-year inflation expectations jumped to 4.9%, reflecting growing anxiety around tariffs.

Sector Highlights

Technology

  • Nvidia: +5.3% ahead of next week’s GTC keynote by CEO Jensen Huang
  • Tesla: +3.9% on news of a lower-priced Model Y to be produced in Shanghai

Consumer Discretionary

  • Ulta Beauty: +9% after strong quarterly results

Real Estate

  • Crown Castle International: +10.4% after agreeing to sell its fiber unit for $8.5 billion

Economic Snapshot

  • 10-Year Treasury Yield: ↑ 5 bps → 4.31%
  • University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment: 57.9 (2-year low)
  • 1-Year Inflation Expectations: ↑ to 4.9%

Expert Commentary

  • Ed Yardeni (Yardeni Research)
    “A day without Trump’s tariff threats is a good day for the market.”

  • Ross Mayfield (Baird)
    “No fundamental catalyst explains this rally. But after a 10% drop from highs, technical conditions favored a bounce.”

  • Dan Wantrobski (Janney Montgomery Scott)
    “We’re seeing another rally attempt from an oversold condition.”

  • Mark Hackett (Nationwide)
    “Corrections are uncomfortable but not unusual—they release pressure in overheated markets.”

Conclusion

Friday’s rally was driven more by political relief and technical rebound than fundamental strength. While certain sectors like tech and real estate surged, persistent concerns over tariffs and inflation continue to weigh on the broader outlook. Investors should monitor upcoming events such as the Nvidia GTC conference and further developments in U.S. fiscal policy.

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