View Live Stock Market TodayMajor Indexes Pull Back After Strong Week
As of midday Friday, April 25, 2025, major U.S. stock indexes are showing a slight pullback after three consecutive days of gains. The S&P 500 is trading relatively flat, hovering near yesterday’s close, while the Nasdaq Composite has edged down about 0.3%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is showing more pronounced weakness, down approximately 0.4% as investors digest a wave of corporate earnings reports.
This modest retreat follows an impressive rally earlier this week that had pushed the S&P 500 up nearly 4% week-to-date, with the Nasdaq Composite surging more than 5% and the Dow gaining over 2%.
Trade Tensions Continue to Drive Market Sentiment
Market volatility remains closely tied to ongoing trade tensions, particularly between the U.S. and China. President Donald Trump’s April 2nd announcement of “reciprocal” tariffs initially triggered significant market turbulence, with the S&P 500 declining 4% since that date.
Recent statements from the White House suggesting a potential easing of China tariffs (currently at 145% on imports) have provided some relief to investors. On Tuesday, President Trump indicated that tariff rates would “come down substantially, but won’t be zero.” However, China’s Ministry of Commerce spokesperson He Yadong stated yesterday that no trade talks are currently taking place and called for the cancellation of “unilateral measures on China.”
Tech Sector Performance and Earnings Impact
Technology stocks, which have been particularly sensitive to trade tensions, are showing mixed performance today. Alphabet (GOOGL) shares are up approximately 5% following strong first-quarter results announced after yesterday’s close. Conversely, Intel (INTC) has dropped about 7% after disappointing guidance and plans to slash operational expenses.
Market strategist Anthony Saglimbene of Ameriprise noted, “I think heading into next week, it’s really going to be the big tech earnings that are going to really influence where the major averages go.” Several “Magnificent Seven” companies are scheduled to report next week, including Meta Platforms (META) and Microsoft (MSFT) on Wednesday, followed by Amazon (AMZN) and Apple (AAPL) on Thursday.
Today’s Key Earnings Reports
Several major companies reported earnings before today’s opening bell:
– AbbVie (ABBV) is expected to report earnings of $2.40 per share, representing a 3.90% increase compared to the same quarter last year.
– HCA Healthcare (HCA) is projected to post earnings of $5.77 per share, up 7.65% year-over-year.
– Colgate-Palmolive (CL) is anticipated to report earnings of $0.86 per share, unchanged from the same period last year.
– Charter Communications (CHTR) is expected to show earnings of $8.53 per share, a 12.98% increase from the previous year.
Other notable companies reporting today include Phillips 66 (PSX), Schlumberger (SLB), Centene (CNC), and AutoNation (AN).
Upcoming Market Events
Investors are closely watching today’s release of consumer sentiment data for April, scheduled for 10:00 a.m. ET. Economists polled by Dow Jones expect the reading to remain unchanged from the previous month at 50.8.
Looking ahead to next week, market participants will focus on additional earnings reports from major technology companies, which could significantly impact market direction amid ongoing trade concerns.
Market Outlook
Despite this week’s rally, analysts remain cautious about near-term market conditions. “I think we’re still in for a period of choppiness around stock trading,” warned Saglimbene.
As the trading day progresses, investors should monitor key earnings reports and economic data releases while remaining alert to any developments in U.S.-China trade relations that could trigger further market volatility.