Real-Time Stock Market UpdatesMajor Indexes Surge as Tech Sector Rebounds
As of midday Thursday, April 24, 2025, U.S. stock markets are extending their rally for the third consecutive day, with technology stocks leading the charge. The S&P 500 has climbed 1.2%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite has surged 1.7%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is showing more modest gains, up 0.6%, weighed down by IBM’s 6% decline.
The market’s positive momentum comes as investors continue to monitor developments on the global trade front, particularly regarding potential tariff adjustments with China. Despite China’s Ministry of Commerce stating that no trade negotiations are currently taking place with the U.S., investors appear optimistic about comments from President Trump indicating a potentially less confrontational approach toward trade talks with Beijing.
Tech Giants and Chipmakers Fuel Market Gains
Megacap technology companies are driving today’s market rally, with Nvidia (NVDA), Meta (META), Amazon (AMZN), Tesla (TSLA), and Microsoft (MSFT) each trading approximately 2% higher.
Among the standout performers, ServiceNow (NOW) and Hasbro (HAS) have each soared approximately 14%, leading S&P 500 advancers. Texas Instruments (TXN) is also showing strength, up 6% following its impressive first-quarter earnings report that exceeded analysts’ expectations.
Earnings Season in Full Swing
Today marks a significant day for corporate earnings reports, with several major companies releasing their quarterly results. Before the market opened, companies including Procter & Gamble (PG), Merck (MRK), PepsiCo (PEP), and Union Pacific (UNP) reported their first-quarter performance.
Procter & Gamble shares have fallen more than 4% after the consumer goods giant reported fiscal third-quarter sales below analysts’ estimates and cut its full-year outlook. The company now expects sales to be “approximately in-line” year-over-year, while core earnings per share are expected to grow 2% to 4%, down from its previous guidance.
PepsiCo (PEP) has also reduced its guidance, now projecting no earnings growth in 2025, compared to its previous expectation of low-single-digit percentage growth.
After-Hours Earnings Preview
Investors are eagerly awaiting several high-profile earnings reports scheduled for after the market close today. Technology giants Alphabet (both GOOGL and GOOG) and Intel (INTC) will be in focus, with options markets implying significant potential moves. Intel’s implied earnings move is particularly notable at ±8.50%, while Alphabet’s Class A and C shares show implied moves of ±6.08% and ±6.23%, respectively.
Other companies reporting after the bell include Gilead Sciences (GILD), with options suggesting a potential move of ±4.64% following its earnings announcement.
Transportation Sector Faces Headwinds
The transportation sector is showing signs of strain amid economic uncertainty. Southwest Airlines (LUV) shares declined after the carrier withdrew its full-year earnings projections and announced capacity reductions due to “macroeconomic uncertainty.”
Similarly, American Airlines (AAL) has pulled its full-year guidance, citing the need to wait until the economic outlook becomes clearer. This suggests growing concerns about the impact of trade tensions and other economic factors on the travel industry.
Upcoming Economic Data and Events
Investors should keep an eye on several important economic indicators and events in the coming days. Tomorrow, April 25, will see the release of the revised University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment data, which could provide insights into consumer confidence and spending expectations.
The economic calendar also shows that Core Durable Goods Orders and Durable Goods Orders month-over-month data for the U.S. are being released today, along with Existing Home Sales figures, which could impact market sentiment regarding the health of the manufacturing sector and housing market.
Additionally, the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings are ongoing, and the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting is approaching, both of which could yield important policy discussions and announcements that may influence global markets.
Market Outlook
Despite the current rally, some analysts remain cautious. Ross Mayfield, investment analyst at Baird, expressed skepticism about today’s upward movement, noting, “I don’t trust the move,” and pointing to China’s explicit statement that no negotiations are ongoing.
The S&P 500 has declined 4% since April 2, when President Trump announced his new tariff policy on U.S. imports. During the same period, the Dow has fallen 5.7%, while the Nasdaq has lost 3.6%.
As we move through the remainder of the trading day, market participants will continue to monitor earnings reports, trade developments, and economic data for further direction. The combination of corporate performance, policy decisions, and geopolitical factors will likely determine whether the current rally can be sustained in the days ahead.