Rollercoaster Day for US Stocks: Tech Soars, Healthcare Plunges, and Retail Deals Shake the Market Podcast By cover art

Rollercoaster Day for US Stocks: Tech Soars, Healthcare Plunges, and Retail Deals Shake the Market

Rollercoaster Day for US Stocks: Tech Soars, Healthcare Plunges, and Retail Deals Shake the Market

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 As of May 15, 2025, here is a brief update on the US stock market:

The major indexes had a mixed day. The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined by 0.2 percent, or 89.37 points, to close at 42,051.06 points. The S&P 500 rose by 0.1 percent, or 6.03 points, to end at 5,892.58 points, marking its sixth consecutive day of gains. The tech-heavy Nasdaq edged up by 0.7 percent, or 136.72 points, to finish at 19,146.81 points.

Key factors driving today's market direction include the continued rally in tech stocks, which extended their winning streak to six sessions, although this momentum did not carry over into today's pre-market trading. US stock futures are pointing lower, with Nasdaq futures down by 0.5 percent, S&P 500 futures down by 0.4 percent, and Dow Jones Industrial Average futures down by 0.3 percent.

In terms of sector performance, consumer discretionary and tech stocks were the biggest gainers, with the Technology Select Sector SPDR jumping by 0.7 percent. However, the Healthcare Select Sector SPDR fell by 2.4 percent, suffering for the second straight day.

Notable market highlights include Walmart shares rising by 2 percent in pre-market trading after the company reported better-than-expected profit and maintained its full-year outlook. In contrast, UnitedHealth Group shares are dropping due to a report that the Justice Department is investigating the company for possible criminal Medicare fraud. Foot Locker shares are skyrocketing after the retailer agreed to be purchased by Dick's Sporting Goods.

Significant market-moving news events also include remarks from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, as well as the release of retail sales and wholesale inflation data.

Looking forward, pre-market futures indicate a lower opening for the stock market. Key events to watch for tomorrow include further analysis of the economic data released today and any additional comments from Fed Chair Jerome Powell. Important upcoming earnings releases and potential market catalysts will also be closely monitored.

In terms of economic data, oil futures are down by 3.5 percent, while gold futures are edging lower. The ten-year Treasury yield is slightly lower, and Bitcoin is declining to trade around 102,000 US dollars. The fear-gauge CBOE Volatility Index was up by 2.20 percent to 18.62.
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