Stocks in the US closed near the flatline on Friday as investors weighed President Trump's push for higher tariffs on the European Union against strong economic data and corporate earnings. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 finished mostly muted near their records, while the Dow Jones dropped 142 points, pressured by a 2.2% decline in American Express shares. Trump reportedly demands a minimum 15-20% tariff in any deal with the EU, which is working to finalize an agreement before his August 1 deadline. On the corporate front, Netflix shares fell 5.1% despite beating revenue and earnings...
US stocks closed lower on Thursday, retreating from records as investors tread cautiously ahead of Friday's pivotal jobs report, which could influence the Federal Reserve's December rate decision. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq slipped 0.2%, while the Dow Jones dropped 248 points. Weekly jobless claims rose to 224,000, slightly above expectations, indicating a cooling labor market. Tomorrow's nonfarm payrolls report is anticipated to show a gain of 200,000 jobs, with weaker data potentially bolstering expectations for a rate cut, currently at a 74% probability for a 25-basis-point reduction at...
Wall Street's main indexes were mostly flat on Thursday after recording all-time closing highs in the previous session, with focus on the monthly employment report due on Friday as markets mostly brushed off weekly jobless claims data. The crucial nonfarm payrolls report, scheduled for release before markets open, could be key in gauging the Federal Reserve's interest rate trajectory. Eric Clark, portfolio manager at the Rational Dynamic Brands Fund, said the market could get a rate cut in December but the Fed might be more cautious going forward. "They have already hinted about being...
European stocks edged higher on Thursday, with the Stoxx 50 and Stoxx 600 both up around 0.5%, extending gains from the past five sessions despite sectoral volatility. Banking and travel stocks led with over 2% gains, while oil and gas stocks dipped 0.4%. In France, markets remained steady despite political upheaval, as the CAC 40 rose 0.4% to its highest since mid-November after Prime Minister Michel Barnier's government fell to a no-confidence vote. Analysts noted no immediate risk of a government shutdown, easing investor concerns. In the UK, the Competition and Markets Authority...
Wall Street was set for a muted open on Thursday following record highs for all three main indexes in the previous session, as investors awaited upcoming employment data later this week. The S&P 500, the Nasdaq and the blue-chip Dow clocked record closing highs on Wednesday as technology shares rallied after upbeat results from companies including and Marvell Technology. U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell appeared to signal support for a slower pace of interest-rate cuts ahead when he spoke on Wednesday, saying the economy was stronger at this point than the central bank had...
Both the STOXX 50 and STOXX 600 opened flat but quickly turned positive on Thursday (5/12), with the former up 0.5% and the latter up 0.3%, as traders appeared to shrug off concerns over the political situation in France. The government collapsed as anticipated after right-wing and left-wing lawmakers united to pass a no-confidence motion and President Macron now needs to find a new Prime Minister, although the task is expected to be very challenging. French stocks were actually among the best performers, with Societe Generale (2.5%), BNP Paribas (1.9%), Engie (1.2%). Meanwhile, traders...