Stock market today: Wall Street closes higher, snapping a 4-week losing streak

Stock market today: Wall Street closes higher, snapping a 4-week losing streak

  • 21.03.2025 22:10
  • msn.com
  • Keywords: Stock Market, Wall Street

Wall Street closed higher Friday, ending a four-week losing streak as stocks rebounded from early declines. The S&P 500, Dow Jones, and Nasdaq all rose modestly, with technology stocks leading the rebound despite lingering concerns over tariffs, inflation, and economic uncertainty.

Nvidia ReportsAAPLsentiment_satisfiedMSFTsentiment_satisfiedNVDAsentiment_dissatisfiedMUsentiment_dissatisfiedNKEsentiment_dissatisfiedFDXsentiment_dissatisfiedLENsentiment_dissatisfiedBA/PAsentiment_satisfiedLMTsentiment_dissatisfied

Estimated market influence

Apple

Apple

Positivesentiment_satisfied
Analyst rating: Buy

Technology stocks bounced back, with Apple rising about 2%.

Microsoft

Microsoft

Positivesentiment_satisfied
Analyst rating: Strong buy

Microsoft added 1.1%.

Nvidia

Nvidia

Negativesentiment_dissatisfied
Analyst rating: Strong buy

Nvidia fell 0.7%.

Micron Technology

Micron Technology

Negativesentiment_dissatisfied
Analyst rating: Buy

Micron Technology slid 8% for the biggest decline among S&P 500 stocks.

Nike

Nike

Negativesentiment_dissatisfied
Analyst rating: Buy

Nike slumped 5.5% after forecasting a steep decline in revenue, blaming geopolitical dynamics and new tariffs.

FedEx

FedEx

Negativesentiment_dissatisfied
Analyst rating: Buy

FedEx tumbled 6.4% due to lower revenue expectations and profit guidance.

Lennar

Lennar

Negativesentiment_dissatisfied
Analyst rating: Buy

Homebuilder Lennar fell 4% after a weaker forecast for new orders and average sales prices.

Boeing

Positivesentiment_satisfied
Analyst rating:

Boeing surged 3.1% after Trump announced it will build the Air Force’s future fighter jet.

Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin

Negativesentiment_dissatisfied
Analyst rating: Buy

Lockheed Martin slumped 5.8% as its rival in the defense sector faced scrutiny.

Context

Stock Market Analysis: Wall Street Closes Higher, Snapping a 4-Week Losing Streak

Overview

  • Market Performance:

    • S&P 500: +0.1% (closed at 5,667.56)
    • Dow Jones Industrial Average: +0.1% (closed at 41,985.35)
    • Nasdaq Composite: +0.5% (closed at 17,784.05)
  • Weekly and Monthly Performance:

    • S&P 500: +0.5% for the week; -4.8% so far in March.
    • Dow Jones: +0.1% for the week.
    • Nasdaq Composite: +0.5% for the week.

Key Market Trends

  • Technology Stocks:

    • Tech stocks rebounded, reversing earlier declines and contributing to market gains.
    • Apple: +2%, Microsoft: +1.1%.
    • Nvidia: -0.7%, Micron Technology: -8% (largest decline in the S&P 500).
  • Economic Uncertainty:

    • Investors remain cautious due to U.S.-China trade tensions and inflation concerns.
    • Tariffs imposed by President Trump could worsen inflation and harm businesses.
    • April 2 deadline for new tariffs on trading partners.

Business Impact

  • Corporate Earnings and Guidance:
    • Nike: -5.5% after forecasting a steep revenue decline due to geopolitical tensions, tariffs, and weaker consumer confidence.
    • FedEx: -6.4% after lowering revenue and profit forecasts.
    • Lennar: -4% following a weaker-than-expected housing market forecast.

Economic Factors

  • Inflation and Interest Rates:
    • Inflation remains above the Federal Reserve's 2% target.
    • The Fed held benchmark interest rates steady in its latest meeting, assessing tariff impacts.

Competitive Dynamics

  • Aerospace Industry:
    • Boeing: +3.1% after Trump announced a defense contract for Air Force fighter jets.
    • Lockheed Martin: -5.8% (Boeing's rival).

Market Sentiment and Consumer Behavior

  • Consumer Confidence:
    • Reports indicate rising caution among consumers, with sentiment in "pessimistic territory."

Global Markets

  • European Markets:
    • FTSE 100 (UK): -0.6% after the Bank of England held rates steady.
    • DAX (Germany): -0.5% amid increased defense and infrastructure spending.

Conclusion

  • The market's rebound highlights investor optimism despite lingering economic uncertainties.
  • Tariffs, inflation, and consumer sentiment remain critical factors for short-term market stability.
  • Long-term implications of U.S.-China trade tensions and Fed policy will shape future market dynamics.