Market Recap: Wall Street Wraps Up Strong Week Despite Mixed Friday Session

Based on the search results, I now have enough information to write a comprehensive market recap article for April 25, 2025, focusing on market indexes, upcoming events, and major stock news.

Major Indexes Close Mixed After Three-Day Rally

The U.S. stock market concluded a volatile but ultimately positive week on Friday, April 25, 2025, with mixed results after three consecutive days of strong gains. The S&P 500 finished relatively flat, adding just 9.58 points or 0.17% to close at 5,494.35. Meanwhile, the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite continued its upward momentum, gaining 111.17 points or 0.65% to end at 17,277.21. The Dow Jones Industrial Average bucked the trend, falling 182.12 points or 0.45% to close at 39,911.28.

Despite Friday’s mixed performance, all three major indexes are on track to post weekly gains. As of Thursday’s close, the S&P 500 had gained nearly 4% for the week, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average and Nasdaq Composite were up more than 2% and 5% respectively.

Market Sentiment Improves on Easing Trade Tensions

The market’s strong performance this week has been largely driven by optimism surrounding potential easing of trade tensions between the United States and China. President Donald Trump indicated earlier in the week that tariffs on Chinese imports would “come down substantially. But it won’t be zero.” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also suggested that both countries have a chance to reach a “big deal” on trade.

However, uncertainty remains as China stated on Thursday that no trade talks were currently taking place with the United States and called for the cancellation of “unilateral tariffs” first. The U.S. currently maintains a 145% tariff on all Chinese imports, which has been a significant source of market volatility in recent weeks.

“I think that really all the market needed was just a little spark to kind of move it off some of these depressed levels, and I think that’s what we’re seeing,” said Anthony Saglimbene, chief market strategist at Ameriprise. “I think we’re still in for a period of choppiness around stock trading.”

Tech Stocks Lead the Rally

Technology stocks, which had been under pressure due to concerns about potential tariff impacts, led this week’s market rally. Nvidia Corporation (NVDA) shares rose 3.63% on Friday to close at $110.29, continuing their recovery amid optimism about AI-related demand. Cantor Fitzgerald reiterated its overweight rating on Nvidia, stating, “The idea that we are in a digestion phase for AI is laughable given the obvious need for more inference chips which is driving a wave of very strong demand.”

Tesla (TSLA) was among the day’s biggest winners, surging 9.03% to $282.95 as investors responded positively to easing trade tensions. Cantor Fitzgerald maintained its overweight rating on Tesla, noting, “While we expect some near-term headwinds due to macro conditions, tariffs, Mr. Musk’s polarizing politics and likely removal of EV Tax Credit, our long-term bullish thesis remains intact.”

Other notable tech performers included Alphabet (GOOG), which gained 1.37% following strong quarterly results released after Thursday’s close. The Google parent beat Wall Street’s expectations with earnings of $2.81 per share on $90.23 billion in revenue.

Earnings Season Continues to Drive Individual Stock Movements

Corporate earnings remained a key driver of individual stock movements. T-Mobile US (TMUS) was among the day’s biggest losers, tumbling 11.08% after reporting slower-than-expected phone subscriber growth and warning about potential price increases if new tariffs raise phone costs. The company added 495,000 new postpaid phone customers in the first quarter, below analyst expectations of 499,000.

Intel (INTC) shares fell 7.45% after the chipmaker provided disappointing guidance for the current quarter and announced plans to cut operational and capital expenses. The company expects revenue of approximately $11.8 billion for the quarter, below analyst estimates of $12.82 billion.

Charter Communications (CHTR) was a bright spot, surging 10.55% following its earnings report. The cable provider was expected to report earnings per share of $8.53, representing a 12.98% increase compared to the same quarter last year.

Economic Data and Upcoming Events

On the economic front, the Labor Department reported that jobless claims totaled 222,000 for the week ending April 19, an increase of 6,000 from the previous week’s revised level. The four-week moving average was 220,250, a decrease of 750 from the previous week.

Orders for durable goods jumped 9.2% in March, significantly higher than the consensus estimate of 2%, according to the Commerce Department. However, existing home sales declined 5.9% in March to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.02 million, according to the National Association of Realtors.

Investors are now looking ahead to next week’s earnings reports from several “Magnificent Seven” tech companies. Meta Platforms and Microsoft are scheduled to release their results after market close on Wednesday, while Amazon and Apple will report after the bell on Thursday. These reports could significantly influence market direction in the coming days.

Market Outlook

As trade tensions appear to be cooling, the outlook for stocks that rely on China for production or its consumer market has improved. However, analysts caution that market volatility may continue as investors await further clarity on trade negotiations and assess the impact of corporate earnings reports.

Investors will also be closely watching the University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment data for April, which is expected to remain unchanged from the previous month at 50.8. This indicator could provide insights into consumer spending patterns, which remain a crucial driver of economic growth.

With the IPO market showing signs of strength—98 IPOs so far in 2025, 69% higher than at the same time in 2024—investor appetite for risk appears to be returning despite recent market turbulence. As earnings season continues and more clarity emerges on trade policies, market participants will be looking for further signs of stabilization in the weeks ahead.