US stocks hit record highs amid trade policy concerns
Share this @internewscast.com

President Donald Trump’s decision Friday to halt trade talks with Canada threatened to derail Wall Street’s run to a record, but the market steadied.

WASHINGTON — U.S. stocks hit a new high by the end of the day on Friday, marking another achievement in the market’s astonishing rebound from the sharp drop earlier this year, initially triggered by worries that the Trump administration’s trade strategies might negatively impact the economy.

The S&P 500 increased by 0.5%, surpassing its previous peak from February. This primary indicator of Wall Street’s condition experienced nearly a 20% decline from February 19 through April 8.

The swift comeback of the market from its significant decline was accomplished in about half the usual duration, according to Sam Stovall, chief investment strategist at CFRA.

“Investors will breathe a sigh of relief,” he said.

The Nasdaq composite gained 0.5% and set its own all-time high. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1%.

President Donald Trump’s decision Friday to halt trade talks with Canada threatened to derail Wall Street’s run to a record, but the market steadied after the S&P 500 briefly turned negative.

The gains on Friday were broad, with nearly every sector within the S&P 500 rising. Nike soared 15.2% for the biggest gain in the market, despite warning of a steep hit from tariffs.

The broader market has seemingly shaken off fears about the Israel-Iran war disrupting the global supply of crude oil and sending prices higher. A ceasefire between the two nations is still in place.

The price of crude oil in the U.S. rose 0.4% to $65.52 a barrel. Prices have fallen back to pre-conflict levels.

Investors are also monitoring potential progress on trade conflicts between the U.S. and its trading partners, specifically China. The two countries have signed a trade deal that will make it easier for American firms to obtain magnets and rare earth minerals from China that are critical to manufacturing and microchip production, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Friday.

China’s Commerce Ministry also said that the two sides had “further confirmed the details of the framework” for their trade talks. But its statement did not explicitly mention an agreement to ensure U.S. access to rare earths, and instead said it will review and approve “eligible export applications for controlled items.”

An update on inflation Friday showed prices ticked higher in May, though the rate mostly matched economists’ projections.

Inflation remains a big concern for businesses and consumers. Trump’s on-again-off-again tariff policy has made it difficult for companies to make financial forecasts. It has also put more pressure on consumers worried about already stubborn inflation. A long list of businesses from carmakers to retailers have warned that higher import taxes will likely hurt their revenues and profits.

The U.S. has 10% baseline tariffs on all imported goods, along with higher rates for Chinese goods and other import taxes on steel and autos. The economy and consumers have remained somewhat resilient, though analysts and economists expect to see the impact grow as import taxes continue to work their way through businesses to consumers.

“While we also would have expected to already be seeing a bit more passthrough into the inflation statistics, we still expect these impacts to show up in a more meaningful way in the next few months,” said Greg Wilensky, head of U.S. fixed income and portfolio manager at Janus Henderson.

The threat of more severe tariffs continues to hang over the economy. The current pause on a round of retaliatory tariffs against a long list of nations is set to expire in July. Failure to negotiate deals or further postpone the tariffs could once again rattle investors and consumers.

The Federal Reserve is monitoring the tariff situation with a big focus on inflation. The rate of inflation has been stubbornly sitting just above the central bank’s target of 2%. In a report Friday, its preferred gauge, the personal consumption expenditures index, rose to 2.3% in May. That’s up from 2.2% the previous month.

The Fed cut interest rates three times in late 2024 following a historic series of rate hikes to cool inflation. The PCE was as high as 7.2% in 2022 while the more commonly used consumer price index hit 9.1%.

The Fed hasn’t cut rates so far in 2025 over worries that tariffs could reignite inflation and hamper the economy. Economists still expect at least two rate cuts before the end of the year.

Bond yields held relatively steady. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.27% from 4.24% late Thursday. The two-year Treasury yield, which more closely tracks expectations for what the Federal Reserve will do, edged up to 3.74% from late Thursday.

All told, the S&P 500 rose 32.05 points to 6,173.07. The Dow gained 432.43 points to 43,819.27, and the Nasdaq added 105.55 points to 20,273.46.

Stocks in Europe were mostly higher, while stocks in Asia finished mixed.

This story has been corrected to say the Federal Reserve cut rates three times last year, not two, and that the price of oil rose 0.4%, not fell.

Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.     

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Euthanasia gang-rape victim set record straight in last interview

Brave Euthanasia Victim Reveals Truth in Final Interview: A Heart-Wrenching Tale of Survival and Justice

Noelia Castillo, a young woman from Spain who faced unimaginable trauma, shared…
Noelia Castillo's dad battled for years to try to stop her death

Father’s Tireless Battle to Prevent Daughter Noelia Castillo’s Tragic Death

For years, Geronimo Castillo fought tirelessly to prevent his daughter, Noelia Castillo,…
Gang-rape victim Noelia Castillo, who died of euthanasia, had heartbreaking final words for family before she died

Noelia Castillo’s Emotional Farewell: Moving Words Shared Before Her Peaceful Passing

Before opting for euthanasia in Spain, gang-rape survivor Noelia Castillo shared a…
Biden adopts two puppies after his previous dogs terrorized White House personnel 

Biden Welcomes Two New Puppies to the White House After Previous Dog Drama

Joe Biden, the former President, along with his wife Jill, recently welcomed…
Trump White House launches own app after cryptic social media teases

Trump Administration Unveils New App Following Mysterious Social Media Hints

On Friday, the Trump administration unveiled the White House app, touting it…
'Lovers' Lane Murders' case: Officials share details after Cheryl Henry & Andy Atkinson murders went unsolved for nearly 36 years

Authorities Release New Insights into the Decades-Old ‘Lovers’ Lane Murders’ of Cheryl Henry and Andy Atkinson

In Harris County, Texas, a decades-old double murder case has seen a…
‘They thought it was a bit’

Comedy Prank or Crime? Unbelievable Incident Leaves Bystanders in Shock

It seems the joke was on them. A comedian, recently targeted with…
LA United School District scandal leads to charges as $22M scheme allegedly drained funds meant for students

$22 Million Embezzlement Scandal Uncovered in LA School District, Officials Charged

A former employee of the Los Angeles Unified School District’s IT department…
Coyotes roam LA streets, from Santa Monica to Playa del Rey

Unveiling LA’s Wild Side: Coyotes Take Over Streets from Santa Monica to Playa del Rey

In Southern California, coyote appearances are becoming more frequent within suburban areas,…
The race against time to destroy Iran’s illicit nuclear weapons program heats up amid fresh strikes

Escalating Efforts to Dismantle Iran’s Illicit Nuclear Program Amid Recent Strikes

The Iranian regime’s continued possession of critical sites and materials for nuclear…
Helicopter crashes into ocean off Hawaii coast, leaving multiple dead and injured

Tragic Helicopter Accident Off Hawaii Coast Results in Multiple Casualties

Tragedy struck off the coast of Hawaii on Thursday when a helicopter…
VP Vance reveals the shocking truth about fed fraud prosecution

VP Vance Unveils Startling Details on Federal Fraud Cases

Vice President J.D. Vance has made a bold assertion regarding the U.S.…