U.S. Stocks Edge Higher Amid Tariff Talks and Economic Data
U.S. stocks opened slightly higher on Thursday, with the Dow Jones and S&P 500 showing modest gains. The Nasdaq led the pack with a 1.39% increase. This follows a two-day rally where the S&P 500 climbed over 4%. the market’s optimism stems from potential progress in U.S.-China trade negotiations. president Trump hinted at easing tariffs on Chinese goods, sparking hope for a trade war resolution. Though, Beijing insists on a complete rollback of recent tariffs, casting doubt on a quick deal.
Despite this, shares of companies like Pegasus Systems and Nvidia saw meaningful gains. On the flip side, International Business Machines and Chipotle faced losses. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq also saw positive movement,reflecting investor confidence in tariff reductions. Yet, Beijing demands a full repeal of existing levies, tempering some enthusiasm.
Simultaneously occurring,the crypto market mirrored the stock market’s cautious tone.
The crypto market also showed mixed results. Bitcoin prices dipped 1.3% to $92,650, while ethereum and XRP saw slight declines. This reflects the broader market’s cautious stance.
On the economic front, the U.S. reported a slight rise in weekly jobless claims, reaching 222,000. This aligns with economists’ expectations and suggests the labour market remains resilient. However, tariff uncertainties continue to influence investor sentiment.
Looking ahead, investors will focus on earnings reports from major companies like Intel and Alphabet. These reports,due on April 24,could provide further direction. The trade war’s outcome and earnings data will be key factors shaping future market trends.
