Stock Market Update: S&P 500 May Snap 9-Day Win Streak as Trade Tensions Loom

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Based on the search results, I now have enough information to write the article about today’s stock market. I’ll focus on the current market indexes, upcoming events, and major stock news as requested.

Market Indexes Pull Back After Historic Rally

The stock market is showing signs of cooling off on Monday, May 5, 2025, after an impressive nine-day winning streak that marked the S&P 500’s longest rally since November 2004. As of early trading, futures indicated a downward trend, with S&P 500 futures down approximately 0.4%, while both Dow Jones Industrial Average and Nasdaq Composite futures declined about 0.3% each.

Last week, the major indexes posted significant gains, with the Dow climbing 3%, the S&P 500 rising 2.9%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq advancing 3.4%. Friday’s session saw the S&P 500 jump nearly 1.5%, the Nasdaq gain 1.5%, and the Dow rise almost 1.4%, completing a remarkable recovery of all losses incurred since April 2, when President Trump announced retaliatory tariffs.

Trade Negotiations Take Center Stage

Market sentiment continues to be heavily influenced by developments in U.S. trade relations, particularly with China. Recent reports suggest Chinese authorities are evaluating the possibility of starting trade negotiations with the U.S., and The Wall Street Journal indicated that Beijing is open to trade talks. However, investors remain cautious as no formal trade deals have been announced.

Ryan Dykmans, chief investment officer at Dunham & Associates Investment Counsel, expressed skepticism about the market’s recent surge, stating, “We do see this run up as being more based on excitement than actual, solid — not just fundamentals, but an actual change.”

The ongoing trade tensions have created a complex market environment, with investors hoping that progress with any major U.S. trading partner could signal that stocks have turned a corner. Art Hogan, chief market strategist at B. Riley Wealth Management, noted that “making most of April 2 go away is what I think investors are waiting for,” adding that the market would respond positively to securing even one major trade deal.

Key Earnings Reports Today

Several major companies are reporting quarterly results today, potentially moving markets:

– Palantir Technologies (PLTR) will release Q1 2025 earnings after market close, with investors eager to see if the data analytics company can maintain its strong growth trajectory.

– Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX) is set to report Q1 2025 results after the bell, with analysts watching for updates on its cystic fibrosis treatments and pipeline developments.

– Ford Motor (F) will share its Q1 2025 performance, with particular focus on its electric vehicle sales and production targets amid increasing competition.

– Tyson Foods (TSN) reports Q2 2025 earnings before market open, with investors looking for signs of recovery in meat processing margins.

– ON Semiconductor (ON) will release Q1 2025 results before the bell, with the chip manufacturer’s outlook particularly important given ongoing semiconductor industry challenges.

– Loews Corp (L) is scheduled to report Q1 2025 earnings before market open, providing insights into its insurance, energy, and hospitality businesses.

Upcoming Market Events

All eyes are on the Federal Reserve’s two-day policy meeting starting Tuesday, May 6. While the CME Group’s FedWatch tool indicates just a 3.2% chance of a rate cut, market participants will closely analyze any commentary from Fed Chair Jerome Powell regarding economic outlook, particularly given the uncertainty stemming from trade tensions.

Other key economic events this week include:

– Monday: PMI Composite final (April) and ISM Services PMI (April)
– Tuesday: Trade Balance (March)
– Wednesday: FOMC Meeting announcement and Consumer Credit data
– Thursday: Initial Jobless Claims, Unit Labor Costs, and Productivity data
– Friday: Speeches from New York Federal Reserve officials

Oil Prices Tumble on OPEC+ Decision

In energy markets, U.S. crude oil futures fell more than 4% on Sunday after OPEC+ agreed to increase production for a second consecutive month. U.S. crude was down $2.49, or 4.27%, to $55.80 a barrel shortly after trading opened, while global benchmark Brent fell $2.39, or 3.9%, to $58.90 per barrel.

The eight producers in the OPEC+ group, led by Saudi Arabia, agreed on Saturday to increase output by another 411,000 barrels per day in June, following a similar increase announced for May. Oil prices have now fallen more than 20% this year, potentially providing some relief for inflation concerns.

Technical Analysis and Market Outlook

From a technical perspective, while the S&P 500 has broken above its 50-day moving average, it still faces resistance at its 200-day moving average. Fairlead Strategies founder Katie Stockton identified the next resistance level for the S&P 500 at 5,783, where it traded on Election Day, but cautioned that “despite the recent bounce, the damage to the charts has been done.”

Similarly, Wolfe Research’s Rob Ginsberg warned that a sharp reversal in the S&P 500 could bring the benchmark back down to support at 5,200, suggesting continued volatility may lie ahead.

As we move further into May, investors will be watching for signs that the market can sustain its recent recovery amid ongoing trade uncertainties, Fed policy decisions, and a busy earnings calendar. With the S&P 500’s historic winning streak potentially ending today, market participants remain cautious about whether recent gains represent a true turning point or merely a temporary reprieve in a challenging market environment.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. We are not financial professionals. The authors and/or site operators may hold positions in the companies or assets mentioned. Always do your own research before making financial decisions.