Latest Market Movements TodayToday’s stock market (Thursday, April 17, 2025) continues to experience significant volatility amid ongoing concerns about trade tensions, corporate earnings, and Federal Reserve policy. Investors are navigating a complex landscape as major indexes show mixed performance following yesterday’s steep sell-off.
Major Market Indexes: Mixed Performance Amid Volatility
As of mid-morning trading, the major U.S. stock indexes are showing divergent paths. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is down sharply, falling approximately 450 points after futures reversed earlier gains. This decline is largely driven by UnitedHealth Group (UNH), which plummeted nearly 20% after slashing its full-year earnings guidance.
Meanwhile, the S&P 500 is attempting to recover with modest gains of around 0.6%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite is showing stronger resilience with a gain of nearly 1%, as technology stocks attempt to rebound from yesterday’s significant losses.
Yesterday’s session saw a broad market decline with the Dow losing nearly 700 points, the S&P 500 dropping 2.2%, and the Nasdaq falling 3.1%. The Nasdaq now sits approximately 19% below its recent all-time high, placing it on the edge of bear market territory.
Corporate Earnings in Focus: UnitedHealth Disappoints, TSMC Surprises
UnitedHealth Group (UNH) has become today’s biggest market mover after the healthcare giant reported disappointing quarterly results and significantly reduced its full-year 2026 earnings guidance. The company now expects earnings per share of $26.00 to $26.50, down from its previous forecast of $29.50 to $30.00. This dramatic reduction has sent shares tumbling approximately 20% in morning trading.
In contrast, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSM) provided a bright spot for the technology sector, reporting better-than-expected first-quarter results despite concerns about U.S. tariffs potentially hurting demand for electronics and AI infrastructure. TSMC’s U.S.-listed shares have risen more than 3% in response.
Netflix (NFLX) is also bucking the negative trend, as analysts view the streaming giant as well-positioned to weather market turmoil. The company’s limited direct exposure to tariffs and its growing advertising business are seen as providing durable growth, while its subscription services are considered among the last expenses consumers would cut during economic hardship.
Trade Tensions and Policy Concerns Continue to Rattle Markets
Market volatility remains elevated as investors continue to process the implications of President Trump’s tariff policies. Yesterday, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell stated that these tariffs could drive up inflation in the near term and potentially move the economy “further away from our goals.” Powell indicated the Fed may face a “challenging scenario” in balancing its dual mandate of price stability and maximum employment.
Adding to market uncertainty, President Trump has publicly criticized Powell, stating on his Truth Social account that “Powell’s termination cannot come fast enough,” after the Fed Chair’s comments on tariffs and monetary policy.
The technology sector continues to face particular pressure from export restrictions. Nvidia (NVDA) fell 6.9% yesterday after disclosing a quarterly charge of approximately $5.5 billion related to restrictions on exporting its H20 graphics processing units to China. Similarly, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) dropped 7.3% after reporting potential charges of up to $800 million due to similar export limitations.
Upcoming Market Events to Watch
Investors should keep an eye on several upcoming events that could further impact market direction:
1. Additional first-quarter earnings reports from major companies in the coming days
2. Economic data releases, including retail sales figures that recently showed accelerated spending as consumers rushed to purchase automobiles and electronics ahead of potential tariff-induced price increases
3. Developments in U.S.-China trade relations, as Chinese President Xi Jinping has emphasized regional solidarity during a tour of Southeast Asia, potentially countering U.S. pressure on nations to limit trade ties with Beijing
4. Oil price movements, with Brent crude climbing above $66 per barrel amid U.S. vows to reduce Iran’s energy exports
Market Outlook: Uncertainty Prevails
The market outlook remains highly uncertain as investors grapple with the potential economic impact of tariffs, shifting monetary policy expectations, and corporate earnings results. According to a Bank of America survey, expectations for a recession are at the fourth-highest level in the last 20 years.
The World Trade Organization has projected that tariffs could cause a 0.2% decline in global merchandise trade volume for 2025, with potential for a 1.5% contraction if conditions worsen.
As this volatile trading week comes to a close, market participants will be closely monitoring corporate earnings, economic indicators, and policy developments for signs of stabilization or further deterioration in market conditions.
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.