Latest Market Movements TodayBased on the information I’ve gathered, I’ll now write the article about today’s stock market. Since today is Memorial Day (May 26, 2025), U.S. markets are closed, but I can focus on the most recent market performance, upcoming events, and provide analysis of what to expect when markets reopen tomorrow.
U.S. Markets Closed for Memorial Day as Investors Digest Recent Volatility
The U.S. stock markets are closed today, Monday, May 26, 2025, in observance of Memorial Day. The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq will resume normal trading hours on Tuesday, May 27, giving investors a moment to reflect on last week’s market turbulence and prepare for the upcoming trading days.
Last week ended on a negative note, with all major indexes booking weekly losses. The S&P 500 closed at 5,802.82 on Friday, down 0.67%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average settled at 41,603.07, losing 0.61%. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite dropped 1% to close at 18,737.21.
Trade Tensions Resurface as Key Market Driver
The market decline on Friday came after President Trump reignited trade concerns by threatening to impose a 50% tariff on European Union goods starting June 1, 2025. Additionally, Trump specifically targeted Apple (AAPL), suggesting that iPhones sold in the U.S. must be manufactured domestically or face at least a 25% tariff. This announcement sent Apple shares down 3% on Friday.
“This roller coaster ride of de-escalating and re-escalating tariff tensions is likely to be a permanent fixture of Trump’s second term,” warned Rick Wedell, president and chief investment officer at RFG Advisory. “It is very important for investors to understand that this lingering trade issue is likely to be here for the duration of this administration.”
Technical Analysis Points to Mixed Signals
Despite recent volatility, the Nasdaq remains in a rising trend channel in the medium long term, signaling increasing optimism among investors. However, the index is testing support at 18,600 points, and a downward breakthrough would indicate a negative signal. The short-term momentum remains strongly positive with RSI above 70, though this could also suggest the market is overbought.
The NYSE Composite is also in a rising trend channel, with support at 19,000 points and resistance at 20,200 points. However, volume patterns show weakness in the rising trend, potentially signaling an early warning of a trend break.
Key Earnings Reports to Watch This Week
As markets reopen on Tuesday, investors will focus on several important earnings reports scheduled for this week. The retail sector will be particularly active, with companies like Walmart (WMT) expected to report Q2 2025 earnings with estimated revenue of $171.2 billion, up 3.5-4.5% year-over-year, and EPS of $0.65.
Other retailers reporting include:
– Dollar General (DG): Expected to report Q2 2025 results with estimated revenue of $10.8 billion, up approximately 4% from Q2 2024, and EPS of $1.85.
– Dollar Tree (DLTR): Anticipated to report Q2 2025 results with estimated revenue of $7.7 billion, up about 3% from Q2 2024, with EPS holding steady at $1.10.
Technology Sector Remains in Focus
The technology sector continues to drive market sentiment, with recent performances of key stocks like Nvidia (NVDA) and Snowflake (SNOW) being closely monitored. Snowflake recently reported Q1 2025 revenue of $1.01 billion, up 33% year-over-year, with EPS at $0.21, beating estimates.
Investors will be watching for signs of continued growth in AI-related companies, which have been significant market movers in recent months. The technology sector’s performance will be crucial in determining whether the market can recover from last week’s losses.
Economic Data and Federal Reserve Outlook
With no rate cuts expected in 2025 according to some market strategists, investors will be closely monitoring economic indicators for signs of inflation or economic slowdown. The bond market has shown concerning signals, with yields surging amid deficit concerns, contributing to market volatility.
What to Expect When Markets Reopen
When trading resumes on Tuesday, market participants will be watching for several key factors:
1. Response to trade tensions: Any developments in U.S.-EU trade relations or further comments from President Trump could significantly impact market direction.
2. Retail earnings: Reports from major retailers will provide insights into consumer spending and economic health.
3. Technical levels: Whether major indexes can hold key support levels will be crucial for short-term market direction.
4. International market reactions: With U.S. markets closed today, investors will look to international markets for clues about sentiment.
The S&P 500 remains slightly negative for the year, having briefly turned positive earlier in May before recent volatility pushed it back into the red. As summer trading begins in earnest after Memorial Day, investors should prepare for potentially increased volatility amid ongoing trade concerns and mixed economic signals.
For now, the market pause on Memorial Day gives investors a chance to reassess strategies before diving into what promises to be an eventful trading week ahead.