U.S. Stock Market Summary for Thursday, April 24, 2025

 


Major Indices

  • S&P 500: +2.03% → 5,484.77

  • Dow Jones Industrial Average: +1.23% → 40,093.40

  • Nasdaq 100: +2.79% → 19,214.40

  • Russell 2000: +2.00% → 1,957.59

U.S. equities extended their rally for a third straight session, with all major indices posting strong gains. The tech-heavy Nasdaq led the advance, buoyed by upbeat earnings and renewed investor appetite for growth stocks.

Market Overview

Market sentiment remained solid as robust quarterly results from leading technology firms lifted the broader market. The S&P 500 exited correction territory, closing at its highest level since mid-April. Easing anxiety over U.S.-China trade relations, despite Beijing’s denial of active negotiations, also supported investor confidence.

Sector Highlights

  • Technology: The tech sector outperformed, driven by stellar earnings. Texas Instruments exceeded estimates, and ServiceNow surged after delivering strong guidance, helping to fuel a broad semiconductor and software rally.

  • Consumer Discretionary: Retail and travel-related names saw meaningful gains, supported by strong consumer demand and positive sentiment.

Economic Snapshot

  • Durable Goods Orders: March durable goods orders rose 9.2% to $315.7 billion, marking the third consecutive month of growth and reflecting robust business investment.

  • Initial Jobless Claims: Weekly jobless claims ticked up slightly to 217,000, a modest rise that still reflects a tight labor market.

  • Housing Market: March existing home sales declined significantly, marking the sharpest drop since 2022 — a potential signal of cooling in the housing sector.

Expert Commentary

Analysts highlighted that investors are shifting focus from macroeconomic headwinds to corporate fundamentals amid a strong earnings season. However, several strategists warned that escalating trade tensions and weaker forward guidance from key firms could cap near-term upside.

  • UBS’s Ulrike Hoffmann-Burkhardt stated, “The Fed has remained cautious on easing, but signs of economic strain such as layoffs may push it to act more decisively.”

  • JPMorgan’s Miles Bradshaw added, “The new tariffs from President Trump are more likely to suppress growth than fuel inflation, which could lead the Fed to cut rates more aggressively.”

Government & Political Notes

President Trump’s announcement of sweeping “Liberation Day” tariffs has ignited legal battles and policy debates. Critics argue the executive measures risk undermining consumer spending and increasing business costs. Treasury Secretary Vessent suggested that a provisional trade deal with South Korea could be reached as early as next week.

Conclusion

The U.S. stock market continued to gain momentum, driven by strong earnings and a resurgence in tech stocks. While investor optimism remains high, geopolitical tensions and trade-related policy shifts introduce a layer of uncertainty. Looking ahead, market participants will closely watch upcoming corporate guidance and Fed commentary for signs of policy shifts in response to potential economic slowing.

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