Market Pulse – Live UpdatesMajor Indexes Show Mixed Performance as Trade Optimism Fades
The stock market displayed mixed performance on Thursday, May 15, 2025, as investors digested the latest economic data releases and corporate earnings reports. The S&P 500 inched higher by 0.04% to 5,888.79, continuing its positive momentum after erasing yearly losses earlier this week. Meanwhile, the Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.24% to 42,040.25, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite gained 0.57% to 19,117.54.
This week’s market rally, largely fueled by the temporary suspension of tariff disputes between the Trump administration and China, appears to be losing steam as investors turn their attention to today’s crucial economic data releases. The S&P 500 has gained 4.11% this week, while the Nasdaq Composite has surged an impressive 6.8%, with the Dow trailing at 1.9%.
Tech Giants Lead Market Momentum
Technology stocks continue to drive market performance, with several tech giants posting substantial gains this week. Nvidia (NVDA) has risen 4.16% today and more than 16% this week, while Tesla (TSLA) gained 4.16% today, adding to its 16% weekly advance. Other notable performers include Super Micro Computer (SMCI), which surged 17.74% today amid growing AI optimism.
Alphabet (GOOG) shares climbed 3.51% as investors remain bullish on the company’s AI initiatives. Meta Platforms has added 11.3% this week, while Amazon and Alphabet have both gained more than 8% in the same period.
“The enthusiasm for AI-related stocks continues to drive the tech sector higher, despite broader market caution regarding trade policies and upcoming economic data,” noted market analysts.
Key Economic Data and Fed Watch
Market participants are closely monitoring today’s release of several important economic indicators. The Producer Price Index (PPI) for April, Retail Sales figures, and weekly Initial Jobless Claims are all scheduled for release at 8:30 AM Eastern Time.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell is also set to speak today at 12:40 PM, with investors eagerly awaiting any signals regarding the central bank’s monetary policy outlook. Currently, the CME FedWatch tool indicates only an 8.3% probability of a rate cut in June, with the likelihood increasing to 34.2% for July and 49.6% for September.
Major Earnings Reports and Corporate News
Today marks a significant day for earnings releases, with several major companies reporting their quarterly results. Walmart (WMT) and Alibaba Group (BABA) are scheduled to release their earnings before market open, while Applied Materials (AMAT) will report after market close.
In corporate news, shares of Foot Locker (FL) surged more than 60% in after-hours trading yesterday following reports that Dick’s Sporting Goods is nearing a deal to acquire the company for approximately $2.3 billion. Conversely, UnitedHealth shares slid 8% after The Wall Street Journal reported that the Justice Department is investigating the insurer.
Looking Ahead: Market Outlook
As we move forward, investors will be watching for signs of continued economic resilience amid ongoing trade negotiations and potential policy shifts. The VIX, often referred to as the market’s fear gauge, edged up 0.77% to 18.36, suggesting some caution among investors.
Treasury yields have been rising, with the 10-year benchmark recently closing above the key 4.50% level for the first time since February, potentially signaling changing expectations about inflation and economic growth.
With a busy economic calendar and significant corporate earnings still to come, market volatility may persist as investors continue to assess the impact of trade policies, inflation data, and corporate performance on the broader economic outlook.