Stock Market Live UpdatesMarket Closed Today as Investors Look Ahead to Post-Holiday Trading
The U.S. stock market is closed today, Monday, May 26, 2025, in observance of Memorial Day. This federal holiday gives investors a chance to reflect not only on those who gave their lives in service to the country but also on last week’s market performance and what lies ahead when trading resumes tomorrow.
Friday’s Market Performance: Tariff Concerns Drive Declines
Last Friday, May 23, major indexes closed lower after President Trump renewed trade tensions with threats of new tariffs. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 256.02 points (0.61%) to close at 41,603.07. The S&P 500 dropped 0.67% to 5,802.82, while the Nasdaq Composite declined 1%, settling at 18,737.21.
These declines added to weekly losses, with all three major indexes down more than 2% for the week. The market reaction came after President Trump suggested implementing a 50% tariff on European Union goods starting June 1, 2025, stating that trade discussions with the EU “are going nowhere.” Additionally, he warned Apple that iPhones sold in the U.S. must be manufactured domestically or face a tariff of at least 25%, causing Apple shares to fall 3% on Friday.
Key Stocks in Focus
Several notable stocks made significant moves on Friday:
– Apple (AAPL) dropped 3% following Trump’s tariff threats specifically targeting the company’s iPhone production.
– United States Steel (X) surged 21% after Trump announced a potential “partnership” with Nippon Steel, following the earlier blocking of a takeover bid by the Japanese company.
– Philip Morris (PM) reached all-time highs dating back to its 2008 spinoff from Altria.
– GE Vernova (GEV) hit all-time highs since its April 2024 spinoff from GE.
– Intuit (INTU) traded at all-time-high levels dating back to its 1993 IPO.
Meanwhile, several stocks hit 52-week lows, including CarMax (KMX), Campbell Soup Company (CPB), Kraft Heinz (KHC), and Revvity (RVTY).
Upcoming Market Events This Week
When trading resumes on Tuesday, May 27, investors will have several key economic reports and events to monitor:
– Tuesday, May 27: Durable Goods Orders for April, S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Index for March, and Consumer Confidence data for May will be released. Germany’s GfK Consumer Confidence and France’s preliminary inflation figures will also be published.
– Wednesday, May 28: The Federal Reserve will release minutes from its May meeting, providing insights into potential rate cut timing amid tariff uncertainties. Australia will publish its monthly CPI data, and the Reserve Bank of New Zealand will announce its interest rate decision.
– Thursday, May 29: The Bank of Korea will make its interest rate decision, and Japan will release Consumer Confidence data for May.
– Friday, May 30: Canada will publish its first-quarter GDP figures, which are expected to show near-stagnant growth according to PMI indications.
Market Outlook: Tariff Concerns and Inflation Pressures
The market enters the shortened trading week with ongoing concerns about potential tariffs and their impact on inflation. According to recent data, manufacturing input inventory has seen its largest build-up ever recorded by the S&P Global PMI, reflecting intensifying supply shortages and the largest spike in prices since November 2022.
However, there may be some positive developments on the horizon. Despite the Memorial Day market holiday, futures markets remained open, and Monday’s jump in futures suggests traders are welcoming the latest news on U.S.-EU trade talks. President Trump has reportedly delayed the tariff hike that was originally set to take effect immediately, buying time for further discussions with the European Commission.
Conclusion: What to Watch When Trading Resumes
As investors return from the holiday, market focus will likely remain on trade tensions, inflation data, and central bank policies. The FOMC minutes on Wednesday will be particularly important for gauging the Federal Reserve’s thinking on interest rates, with S&P Global Market Intelligence forecasting rates to remain unchanged until December.
Technical indicators show the Nasdaq is in a rising trend channel in the medium-long term, signaling increasing optimism among investors despite Friday’s pullback. The index is testing support at 18,600 points, which could provide a positive reaction when trading resumes.
With a busy economic calendar ahead and ongoing trade uncertainties, investors should prepare for potential volatility as markets reopen on Tuesday, May 27.