Stock Market Today: S&P 500 Turns Positive for 2025 as Tech Rally Continues

Market Indexes Show Mixed Performance Amid Trade Optimism

The stock market continues its upward momentum on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, following yesterday’s rally that pushed the S&P 500 into positive territory for the year. As of mid-day trading, the S&P 500 is up 0.74% at 5,887.21, extending its gains after rising 0.72% on Tuesday. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite is showing even stronger performance, climbing 1.61% to 19,010.08, marking its fifth consecutive positive session.

Meanwhile, the Dow Jones Industrial Average is experiencing some pressure, down 0.60% at 42,156.21, primarily weighed down by healthcare giant UnitedHealth Group (UNH). Despite today’s decline, the Dow remains up for the week as investors continue to digest the recent U.S.-China agreement to reduce tariffs for 90 days.

Tech Sector Leads Market Gains

Technology stocks are driving today’s market performance, with the sector up an impressive 15.78% on the S&P 500. Nvidia (NVDA) remains at the forefront of this rally, surging 5.61% after announcing it would send more than 18,000 of its artificial intelligence chips to Saudi Arabia as part of a new partnership. The semiconductor giant has once again crossed the $3 trillion market capitalization threshold.

Other tech leaders showing strong performance include Micron Technology (MU), up 5.05%, Broadcom (AVGO) gaining 4.97%, and Tesla (TSLA) advancing 4.94%. The “Magnificent 7” megacaps continue their winning streak, with Apple (AAPL) rising for the fourth consecutive session and Amazon (AMZN) notching its fifth straight positive day.

UnitedHealth Drags Down Dow as CEO Steps Down

The biggest drag on the Dow Jones today is UnitedHealth Group (UNH), which has plummeted 17.75% following the surprise announcement that CEO Andrew Witty is stepping down effective immediately for personal reasons. The healthcare giant has also suspended its 2025 earnings guidance, creating uncertainty for investors. Other healthcare stocks feeling pressure include Merck & Co (MRK), down 4.54%, and Johnson & Johnson (JNJ), falling 3.55%.

Key Earnings Reports on Deck

Today marks a busy day for corporate earnings, with 518 companies scheduled to report their quarterly results. Among the most anticipated reports is Cisco Systems (CSCO), which will release its Q3 2025 earnings after market close. Analysts are expecting earnings per share of $0.92, representing a potential increase from the $0.88 reported in the same quarter last year.

Other notable companies reporting today include Tencent Holdings (TCEHY), Sony Group (SONY), and Foxconn (HNHPF), which announced earlier that its quarterly profit surged 91% amid strong demand for AI servers.

Market Sentiment Boosted by Trade Developments and Inflation Data

The positive market sentiment continues to be fueled by Monday’s announcement that the U.S. and China have agreed to a 90-day reduction in tariffs. This development has significantly eased concerns about escalating trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies.

Additionally, recent inflation data has shown a cooling trend, with April’s Consumer Price Index recording its lowest annual increase since February 2021. This has raised hopes that the Federal Reserve might begin cutting interest rates later this year, with markets currently pricing in the first 0.25% rate cut in September.

As trading continues today, investors will be closely watching Federal Reserve commentary, particularly from San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly, for further insights into the central bank’s thinking on monetary policy.

With the S&P 500 now in positive territory for 2025 and the tech sector showing robust momentum, market participants appear increasingly optimistic about the economic outlook despite ongoing challenges in certain sectors.