Latest Market Movements TodayMajor Indexes Pull Back After Recent Gains
The U.S. stock market took a breather on Thursday, May 15, 2025, as major indexes retreated following a three-day winning streak. The S&P 500 dipped 0.27% while the Nasdaq Composite fell 0.22%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average experienced the largest decline, dropping 0.44% or about 185 points.
This pullback comes after a strong rally earlier in the week, fueled by optimism following the temporary suspension of tariffs between the Trump administration and China. Despite today’s losses, the S&P 500 remains in positive territory for the year, having gained 4.11% this week alone prior to today’s session.
Tech Sector Performance and “Magnificent Seven” Update
Technology stocks, which have been driving much of the market’s recovery, showed mixed results today. Nvidia (NVDA), which had surged over 16% this week and recently turned positive for the year, retreated slightly after its impressive run. The chipmaker had benefited from news of selling more than 18,000 of its AI chips to Saudi Arabia.
Other “Magnificent Seven” stocks showed varied performance. Tesla (TSLA) continued its upward momentum, while Amazon (AMZN) and Alphabet (GOOGL) maintained their recent gains. Apple (AAPL) and Microsoft (MSFT) faced minor setbacks. Meta Platforms (META) remained one of the stronger performers among the group year-to-date.
Notable stock movements included Foot Locker (FL), which surged more than 60% in after-hours trading following reports that Dick’s Sporting Goods is nearing a deal to acquire the company for approximately $2.3 billion. Conversely, UnitedHealth slid 8% after reports of a Justice Department probe into the insurer.
Upcoming Market Events and Economic Indicators
Investors are closely watching several key economic reports scheduled for release before tomorrow’s market open. The producer price index (PPI), a measure of wholesale inflation, will provide insights into inflationary pressures at the producer level. Economists expect April’s PPI to show a 0.3% increase from the previous month.
Additionally, April retail sales and industrial production figures will be released, offering a comprehensive view of consumer spending and manufacturing activity. These reports will help investors gauge the overall health of the U.S. economy amid ongoing trade negotiations and policy shifts.
Corporate Earnings on Deck
Walmart (WMT), the nation’s largest retailer, is set to report its fiscal first-quarter earnings before the market opens tomorrow. The results will provide valuable insights into consumer spending patterns and the retail sector’s health.
Other notable companies reporting earnings on Friday include Flowers Foods (FLO), RBC Bearings (RBC), and Dingdong (DDL).
Market Outlook and Expert Opinions
Market sentiment remains cautiously optimistic following the recent rally, though some experts urge caution. Steve Cohen, founder of investment firm Point72, suggested stocks could “go back toward the lows” seen in April, estimating a 45% chance of recession.
Traders will be watching Friday’s economic data closely for signs of economic strength or weakness. The temporary tariff suspension between the U.S. and China has provided some stability, but investors remain vigilant about potential volatility as global trade relationships continue to evolve.
As we head into the final trading day of the week, market participants will be balancing recent gains against economic realities, with particular attention to inflation indicators and consumer spending data that could influence Federal Reserve policy decisions in the coming months.