Full Market Coverage HereMajor Indexes Show Mixed Performance as Tariff Concerns Linger
As of midday Tuesday, April 29, 2025, U.S. stock markets are showing mixed performance amid ongoing concerns about President Trump’s tariff policies and a busy week of corporate earnings and economic data releases. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is up 0.1% at 40,255, extending its winning streak to six consecutive sessions. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 is down 0.2% at 5,518, breaking its five-day winning streak, and the Nasdaq Composite is down 0.2% at 17,330.
The markets have been cautiously optimistic in recent days as the Trump administration has signaled potential easing of automotive tariffs. Officials indicated they will reduce the impact by alleviating some duties imposed on foreign parts in domestically manufactured cars. This news has boosted automaker stocks, with Ford (F) up 1.1% and Tesla (TSLA) gaining 0.8% in morning trading.
Economic Data Points to Cooling Labor Market
Today’s economic data release showed job openings fell more than expected in March. The Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) reported 7.19 million job openings at the end of March, below the market expectation of 7.5 million and down from February’s revised 7.48 million.
Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari recently expressed concern that businesses might start laying off workers due to trade-related uncertainty. Similarly, Fed Governor Christopher Waller noted he “would not be surprised to see more layoffs and higher unemployment” as companies look to offset tariff costs by cutting payrolls.
Investors are now looking ahead to Friday’s crucial employment report for April, which will provide a more current picture of the labor market’s health.
Corporate Earnings in Focus
This week marks a critical period for first-quarter earnings, with four of the “Magnificent Seven” tech giants scheduled to report results. Meta Platforms (META) and Microsoft (MSFT) will release their earnings after market close on Wednesday, while Apple (AAPL) and Amazon (AMZN) will report on Thursday.
Wall Street has high expectations for these tech giants:
– Meta Platforms is expected to report a 14% increase in sales to $41.4 billion
– Microsoft is projected to see an 11% revenue increase to $68.4 billion
– Amazon’s revenue is forecast to grow 8% to $154.9 billion
– Apple is expected to report a 4% sales increase to $94.1 billion
Among today’s earnings reports, UPS shares fluctuated after the company reported stronger-than-expected first-quarter profits but declined to update its 2025 financial forecasts, citing “current macro-economic uncertainty.” The company also announced plans to cut approximately 20,000 jobs and close 73 buildings as part of cost-cutting measures.
Market Winners and Outlook
Honeywell International (HON) emerged as a standout performer, rising 5.1% after beating profit and revenue expectations and raising its full-year profit forecast. Similarly, Sherwin-Williams (SHW) gained 3.3% after exceeding analysts’ expectations for first-quarter profit.
Looking ahead, investors remain focused on several key events this week:
1. First-quarter GDP data release on Wednesday
2. Consumer spending data for March on Wednesday
3. Earnings from tech giants Wednesday and Thursday
4. April employment report on Friday
The 10-year Treasury yield fell to 4.17% from 4.23% late Monday, reflecting market concerns about economic growth amid trade tensions.
Overall, market sentiment remains cautious as investors digest corporate earnings while monitoring developments in U.S. trade policy. The S&P 500 is currently down about 1.5% for the month, with all three major indexes in negative territory for the year.