Now I have enough information to write a comprehensive market recap article for April 30, 2025. I’ll create a 500-word article focusing on current market indexes, upcoming market events, and major stock news.
Major Indexes Show Mixed Performance Amid Economic Concerns
The U.S. stock market delivered a mixed performance on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, as investors digested disappointing GDP data and awaited earnings reports from tech giants. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 300 points, or 0.75%, continuing its winning streak for the seventh consecutive session – the longest since July 2024. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 slipped 0.51% and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite declined 0.66%.
The first quarter GDP report released this morning showed growth of just 0.4%, confirming economists’ fears of a significant economic slowdown from the previous quarter’s 2.4%. Some analysts had even predicted negative growth, raising concerns about a potential recession.
“Markets have already sold off in premarket following the GDP release. If the PCE numbers come in higher than forecast, don’t be surprised if you begin hearing a lot more talk about stagflation,” noted JJ Kinahan, CEO of tastytrade from IG.
Inflation Data and Fed Watch
The Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) index, the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge, was released today with economists forecasting 0% for total PCE and 0.1% for core PCE on a month-over-month basis. The year-over-year forecast for core PCE, which excludes food and energy, was 2.6%.
With inflation showing signs of cooling, market participants are increasingly speculating about potential interest rate cuts. While no cut is expected at the Fed’s May meeting, the chances for a June reduction are growing, providing some support for the market despite economic concerns.
Tech Earnings in Focus
After the closing bell, tech giants Microsoft (MSFT) and Meta Platforms (META) are scheduled to report their quarterly earnings, with Qualcomm (QCOM), Robinhood Markets (HOOD), and Stellantis (STLA) also releasing results.
Analysts expect Microsoft to show solid cloud growth driven by strong bookings and demand for AI services. For Meta, concerns center around ad pricing pressures, with revenue potentially slowing due to Chinese companies like Temu and Shein cutting spending amid rising US-China trade tensions.
Investors will be closely watching two key issues in these reports: the level of capital expenditures for AI and forward guidance. Many companies have pulled their guidance due to uncertainty over tariffs and trade negotiations.
Notable Stock Movers
Tesla (TSLA) shares surged more than 6% today, though the stock remains below its 200-day moving average and approximately 50% off its all-time high set in December 2024.
Starbucks (SBUX) dropped about 8% after missing earnings and revenue estimates for its fiscal second quarter. The coffee giant reported same-store sales declined for the fifth consecutive quarter and warned of potential headwinds from tariffs.
Caterpillar (CAT) gained 3% despite tariff concerns, as investors responded positively to the company’s dual-scenario guidance. Nearly 10% of Caterpillar’s sales come from China, with Brazil representing another 6%.
Nvidia (NVDA) rose 0.7%, rebounding after recent declines that had pushed the stock below both its 50-day and 200-day moving averages.
Looking Ahead
The earnings onslaught continues Thursday with Amazon (AMZN) and Apple (AAPL) scheduled to report. These results, along with ongoing trade negotiations and tariff discussions, will likely set the market tone for the remainder of the week.
April has been a volatile month for markets following President Trump’s “reciprocal” tariff announcement on April 2. However, major indexes have gradually narrowed their monthly losses, with the S&P 500 down just 0.9% for April after briefly entering bear market territory earlier in the month.
As April comes to a close, investors remain cautiously optimistic but vigilant about economic signals, corporate earnings, and developments in international trade relations.
Ed Liston is a senior contributing editor at TheStockMarketWatch.com. An active market watcher and investor, Ed guides an independent team of experienced analysts and writes for multiple stock trader publications.