Wall Street's rally stretched into a second session Tuesday, fueled by improving investor sentiment after an early-week breakthrough in U.S.-China trade talks, easing inflation data and fresh geopolitical headlines involving major investment pledges from the Middle East.
Wall Street traded slightly lower by midday Friday, as investors adopted a wait-and-see stance ahead of a potential trade breakthrough, with high-stakes negotiations between U.S. officials—led by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent—and Chinese authorities set to unfold over the weekend.
U.S. stocks rallied Thursday after the Trump administration signed its first major trade agreement with the United Kingdom, igniting optimism about further global deals — especially with China — and lifting investor appetite for riskier assets.
U.S. stocks traded mixed at midday Wednesday, as investors remained cautious ahead of the Federal Reserve’s upcoming policy decision, with Chair Jerome Powell set to speak at 2:30 p.m. ET.
Utility stocks hit new highs amid trade policy uncertainty, with Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund up 6.3% YTD. Constellation Energy Corp. jumps 11.87%.
Wall Street edged lower by midday Tuesday as uncertainty surrounding trade policies lingered, with investors adopting a cautious approach ahead of Wednesday’s Federal Reserve meeting.
Wall Street kicked off the week with a cautious tone, as major stock indices hovered near the flatline by midday in New York. Investors digested fresh signs of inflationary pressure in the services sector, raising doubts about near-term rate cuts and weighing on risk appetite.
U.S. stocks advanced across the board by midday Friday, with the S&P 500 eyeing its ninth consecutive day of gains—poised for the longest winning streak since May 2024.
Wall Street pushed higher in midday trading, with the S&P 500 on track for its eighth consecutive gain — its longest winning streak since November 2023. The index rose about 1% to 5,560, fully recovering the losses sustained after former President Donald Trump announced trade tariffs on April 2.
