Stock Market Today: Markets Mixed Near Close as Dow Gains, Nasdaq Dips

Major Indexes Show Mixed Performance as Trading Session Nears End

The stock market showed mixed performance Wednesday as the trading session approached its close, with investors digesting the latest inflation data and developments in U.S.-China trade relations. The Dow Jones Industrial Average led gains among major indexes, advancing 158 points, or 0.4%, to 43,052.03, continuing its positive momentum with a weekly increase of 1.47% and a monthly gain of 4.37%.

Meanwhile, the S&P 500 hovered near the flatline at 6,040.78, showing a marginal increase of 0.03%, or 1.97 points. The index has demonstrated steady growth with a weekly rise of 1.17% and a monthly gain of 6.73%. The Nasdaq Composite dipped slightly, down 0.15% to 19,685.83, despite its impressive monthly gain of 9.80%.

Inflation Data and U.S.-China Trade Deal Boost Market Sentiment

Wednesday’s market movements were largely influenced by softer-than-expected inflation data. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose just 0.1% in May from April, below the 0.2% estimate from economists. Core CPI, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, also increased by only 0.1%, suggesting inflation pressures may be easing.

Alexandra Wilson-Elizondo, global co-CIO of multi-asset solutions at Goldman Sachs Asset Management, noted, “Inflation in May was lower than anticipated, suggesting the tariffs aren’t having a large immediate impact because companies have been using existing inventories or slowly adjusting prices due to uncertain demand.”

Adding to market optimism, discussions between U.S. and Chinese officials have reportedly made progress, with former President Trump claiming “a deal is done” regarding rare earths, tariffs, and student visas.

Top Performers and Notable Stock Movements

Several stocks stood out in today’s trading session. Among the top gainers on the Nasdaq were Starbucks (SBUX) at $95.33, up 4.21%, and Broadcom Inc (AVGO) at $254.02, rising 3.97%. Micron Technology (MU) also performed well, gaining 1.83% to $116.20, while Netflix (NFLX) added 1.33% to reach $1,218.85.

On the Dow Jones, Goldman Sachs (GS) led gains with a 2.24% increase to $628.90, followed by 3M (MMM) at $147.97, up 2.03%, and UnitedHealth (UNH) rising 1.87% to $309.42.

Conversely, Intel (INTC) was among the day’s biggest losers, dropping 6.02% to $20.77, while Cisco Systems (CSCO) fell 1.32% to $64.29.

Tesla (TSLA) shares added 1%, continuing their four-day winning streak after CEO Elon Musk announced that Tesla robotaxi rides in Austin, Texas, are “tentatively” set to start on June 22.

Upcoming Market Events to Watch

Investors should keep an eye on several key economic releases scheduled for Thursday, June 12. The Producer Price Index (PPI) data will be released at 8:30 AM ET, with economists expecting a reading of -0.5% for May. Core PPI, which excludes food and energy, is forecast at -0.1%, while the year-over-year PPI is expected to show a 2.4% increase.

Initial jobless claims for the week ending June 7 will also be released on Thursday morning, providing further insight into the labor market’s health.

On the earnings front, Adobe (ADBE) is scheduled to report its quarterly results after market close on Wednesday, while Accenture (ACN) will report before market open on Thursday, June 19.

Market Outlook and Volatility

The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), often referred to as the market’s “fear gauge,” declined 0.69% to 16.26, suggesting relatively calm investor sentiment despite mixed market performance.

As Wilson-Elizondo from Goldman Sachs noted, “As we wait for the 90-day tariff pause to pass, the market will be caught between inflation and job prints. If inflation stays under control or the job market weakens, the Federal Reserve will likely consider cutting interest rates down the road.”

With the S&P 500 currently less than 2% away from its all-time high reached in February, markets today reflect cautious optimism as investors balance positive inflation data against ongoing trade negotiations and upcoming economic releases.

Traders will continue to monitor these developments closely as they position themselves for the remainder of the trading week, with particular attention to Thursday’s PPI data and its potential implications for Federal Reserve policy.