The SPY Trader

Decoding the Market: A PreMarket Rundown

Fresh news and strategies for traders. SPY Trader episode #1173.
Hey there, stock jockeys and welcome back to Spy Trader! It's your pal Penny Pincher here, bright and early, well, at least it's early for me. It's 6 am on Sunday, May 18th, 2025, Pacific time, and the market's about to wake up from its weekend nap. So, let's dive into what's cookin' this week, shall we?
First up, the big picture: things are lookin' kinda...iffy. The S&P 500 had a pretty awesome week, up about 5%, and the Nasdaq 100 is struttin' its stuff with a 6.5% gain. Woohoo! But hold your horses because it's not all sunshine and rainbows. A lot of this rally is thanks to the U.S. and China playing nice for a bit – they've agreed to ditch those titfortat tariffs for 90 days while they try to hash out a trade deal. Plus, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 have climbed over their 200day moving averages, which some folks see as a good sign.
Now, about that trade deal... don't get too comfy. We still don't know what's gonna happen, and all that uncertainty can make the market do the chacha. Keep your eyes peeled for any news about trade talks, not just with China, but also with Japan and the EU. Remember, the market will throw a party or a hissy fit depending on whether the deal looks good for growth and company profits.
On the economic front, inflation seems to be takin' it easy. But, folks are still feeling kinda gloomy about the economy. And, the chances of the Federal Reserve cuttin' interest rates in June are lookin' slimmer than my chances of winning the lottery. So, keep an eye on the Leading Indicators coming out Monday, then Wednesday we've got crude oil inventories and mortgage applications, followed by a whole bunch of housing data and jobless claims on Thursday and Friday.
As for specific sectors, right now Charles Schwab has a "Marketperform" rating on all sectors, which basically means they're playin' it safe because of the whole tariff kerfuffle. But, the hot stuff is still in growth areas like cloud computing, AI, and data centers, especially in tech and communication services. All those data centers need power, so utilities might get a boost too.
So, what's Penny Pincher think you should do with your hardearned cash? Well, I'm leanin' towards a slightly bearish or neutral stance for the week. The market could be a bit rocky. Keep a close watch on the trade negotiations, because any surprises could send the market on a wild ride. Also, pay attention to those economic reports. Consider spreading your investments around and maybe rebalancing your portfolio. I'd say stick with the big and midsized companies here in the US. Be ready for some bumps along the way.
Oh, and keep an eye on NVIDIA. They've got a couple of events going on, like the IDRIS Open Hackathon and PyCon, which could be interesting for investors.
Now, before I sign off, remember this ain't financial advice. I'm just a friendly voice giving you the lowdown. Talk to a real financial advisor before you make any big decisions. Stay safe, trade smart, and I'll catch you next time on Spy Trader!

Market Thaw and Tariff Jitters

Fresh news and strategies for traders. SPY Trader episode #1172.
Hey everyone, it's your pal Finny McFinance here, and welcome to Spy Trader! It's 6 am on Saturday, May 17th, 2025, Pacific Time, and let's dive into what happened in the market this week.
First off, the market had a pretty solid week. The Nasdaq really took off, up 7.2%! The S&P 500 followed with a 5.3% jump, and even the Dow managed a respectable 3.4% increase. On Friday, the party continued with the Dow up 0.8%, the S&P 500 up 0.7%, and the Nasdaq climbing 0.5%.
So, what fueled this market joyride? A big part of it was the US and China agreeing to chill out on tariffs for 90 days while they try to hash out a bigger trade deal. That definitely put investors in a good mood. However, there were some whispers later in the week about new tariff rates that kinda spooked folks a bit on Friday.
Looking at different sectors, tech and consumer discretionary stocks were the cool kids this week, leading the charge. Healthcare and real estate, not so much. Defensive sectors like utilities and consumer staples saw some buying as people looked for safer harbors.
On the macro front, the US economy seems to be holding its own. Inflation isn't quite as scary as it was, with the April CPI rising a bit less than expected, at 2.3% yearoveryear. Even the Producer Price Index surprised everyone by actually going down! One slightly worrying sign, though, is that consumer sentiment has been dropping for five months straight, hitting its lowest point since 2022. People are getting a bit worried about inflation expectations and trade policies, which is understandable.
Companywise, UnitedHealth Group had a wild ride. The stock tanked on Thursday after reports of a DOJ investigation but then bounced back big time on Friday, soaring over 6%. Megacap tech stocks had mixed results. Tesla zoomed up 2%, and Alphabet was up around 1%. However, Apple and Meta Platforms took a small dip. Chipmaker Broadcom took a hit, falling nearly 2%. AMD was on cloud nine after announcing a $6 billion share buyback, but Applied Materials went down despite good earnings.
Okay, so here's my take. The trade deal thaw with China is a big win for the market. Easing inflation is also helping. But, those tariff worries are still lurking, and declining consumer sentiment is something to keep an eye on. So, what do I recommend? Diversify, my friends, diversify! Rebalancing your portfolio is always a good idea to handle market swings. I'd lean a bit more towards stocks than bonds and maybe focus on US large and midcap stocks. And remember, don't panic! Stick to your strategy and try not to make rash decisions based on shortterm market craziness.
That's all for today's Spy Trader. Stay tuned for more financial fun, and remember, keep those portfolios diversified and your spirits high! Finny out!

Market Pulse: Trade Truce & Tech Surge

Fresh news and strategies for traders. SPY Trader episode #1171.
Hey there, Spy Traders! It's your pal, Penny Pincher here, ready to break down the market moves from today, Friday, May 16th, 2025. The clock's striking 6 PM out here on the West Coast, so grab your favorite beverage, and let's dive into what's been shaking up Wall Street.
So, the big picture? The market's been on a bit of a rollercoaster lately, but things are generally looking up! We've had a really solid few weeks, bouncing back from that dip last month. We're even sniffing around those record highs from February – the S&P 500 is only about 3% away. Today was a good day, closing higher and capping off a great week. The Dow jumped 0.8% to close at 42,654.74. The S&P 500 climbed 0.7%, finishing at 5,958.38, and the Nasdaq rose 0.5%, ending the day at 19,211.10.
Tech and consumer discretionary stocks really took the crown this week, both soaring by 7.7%! Utilities, consumer discretionary, and real estate weren't slouches either. On the other hand, healthcare and real estate were kinda lagging behind.
Now, onto the juicy news! That USChina trade truce – you know, the one where they're easing up on tariffs a bit – it's really got investors feeling good. Seems like everyone was holding their breath about those trade war worries and a possible recession. In economic data, retail sales edged up 0.1% in April, which was right on the money. But hold on, the Producer Price Index took a nosedive, dropping 0.5% last month.
Companywise, UnitedHealth Group has had a rough patch, between that DOJ investigation, a CEO shakeup, and those lowered profit forecasts. But hey, the stock bounced back a little today after a pretty steep fall. Nvidia is supplying semiconductors to a Saudi Arabian AI startup, while AMD shares are on the rise. Applied Materials took a hit because their China sales slumped, Novo Nordisk saw its stock dip after their CEO said goodbye, and Coinbase? Well, they got added to the S&P 500, which initially made their stock soar, but then came the customer data hack, and shares tumbled.
Okay, let's zoom out. That USChina trade situation is still a biggie. While this temporary truce is a win, we're not out of the woods yet when it comes to the longterm effects on the economy and inflation. Speaking of inflation, the recent reports are looking better than expected, but consumers are starting to think inflation is going to ramp up again, which could be a problem. Interest rates are something to watch as well. Investors seem to be betting on the Federal Reserve cutting rates later this year.
So, what should you be keeping an eye on? Definitely those USChina trade talks, upcoming inflation reports (especially that CPI data coming out in June), and how consumers are spending their money. And of course, what the Federal Reserve decides to do at their meeting in June. Don't forget to keep tabs on any geopolitical stuff that could throw a wrench in things.
Now, for my totallynotprofessionalfinancialadvice trading recommendations: Things are looking good, but don't get too cocky. There's still some uncertainty floating around. Diversify, diversify, diversify! And think about investing in those solid companies with strong earnings. Given the potential for the market to swing, it might be a good time to think about active investing. In the current market, I am looking into utilities (because of the solid gains) and technology (because the sector is doing well). I'm personally going to hold off on healthcare, because of the DOJ investigation into UNH and the sector's underperformance this week. Ultimately, pay attention to all the economic data coming out, so you can make smart decisions.
That's all for today, folks! Remember, I'm just a friendly neighborhood Penny Pincher, not a financial wizard. Keep an eye on those charts, and I'll catch you next time!

Market Wrap: Trade Truce & Penny’s Play

Fresh news and strategies for traders. SPY Trader episode #1170.
Hey there, Spy Traders! It's your pal, Penny Stockington, here, ready to break down the market moves for you. It's 12 pm on Friday, May 16th, 2025, Pacific time, so let's dive right in! Yesterday was a mixed bag. We saw the Dow Jones jump 0.7% to 42,322.75 and the S&P 500 gain 0.4%, closing at 5,916.93 – that’s four days in a row of gains! But the Nasdaq took a little dip, down 0.2% to 19,112.31. Looks like the tech sector needed a coffee break! Good news on the trade front! Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese officials had a minitruce, which gave the market a little boost. S&P says it's providing temporary relief. But don't get too comfy, more talks are needed to avoid a fullblown recession. On the economic front, April retail sales were up a tiny 0.1%, just meeting expectations. The Producer Price Index dropped a surprising 0.5%, which made Treasury yields take a tumble. Jobless claims are holding steady, but keep an eye on that fourweek moving average. In company news, Novo Nordisk is losing its CEO, Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen, and the stock took a hit. Charter Communications is merging with Cox Communications, and their stock jumped! Applied Materials is struggling with sales in China, so their shares are down. And Walmart is warning us that those tariffs might mean higher prices. Bummer! The Institute for Supply Management is predicting flat economic activity for the rest of the year, blaming trade issues, inflation, and general world chaos. They expect the manufacturing sector to barely grow and the services sector to stay flat. Companies are feeling the pinch from inflation, but demand is stable. Consumer sentiment is down, according to the University of Michigan, and folks are feeling more financially stressed. Inflation expectations are also up, which isn't great. Keep an eye on AstraZeneca; they're presenting data at a conference this week. Analysts at Trading Economics think the U.S. Stock Market Index will be around 5556.90 by the end of this quarter and 5259.19 in a year. So, what's Penny's play? I'm feeling cautiously optimistic. The market's got some good vibes from that trade truce, but we're not out of the woods yet. I'd suggest spreading your investments around a bit. Utilities, consumer discretionary, and real estate stocks are looking strong right now. Keep a close eye on those trade talks, because they're going to move the market. Watch out for inflation and how it might affect things. And always pay attention to companyspecific news. Charter's merger looks promising, but Novo Nordisk's CEO change adds some risk. Tech stocks had a good run, but keep an eye on companies like Applied Materials that are struggling with overseas sales. And don't forget to manage your risk. With all the uncertainty out there, it's better to be safe than sorry. That's all for today, folks! Remember, I'm just a humble podcast host, not your financial advisor. Do your own research and invest wisely! Penny Stockington, out!

Wally’s Wall Street WakeUp

Fresh news and strategies for traders. SPY Trader episode #1169.
Alright folks, it's your pal Wally Pip here, your friendly neighborhood financial guru, ready to break down the market! It's 6 am on Friday, May 16th, 2025, Pacific Time, and the coffee is brewing, so let's dive into what's shaking up Wall Street today.
First up, the big picture: the US stock market's been on a generally upward trend lately, with the S&P 500 riding a fourday winning streak. Optimism around USChina trade talks and some easing inflation are keeping spirits high. In fact, the US500 is up 0.88% since the start of the year. Remember that alltime high of 6152.87 back in February? Good times!
Now, let's talk sectors. Yesterday, utilities, consumer staples, and real estate were the MVPs. Tech, on the other hand, took a bit of a breather as some folks decided to cash in on profits. Keep an eye on those cyclical sectors like tech – they've been outperforming defensive plays like healthcare recently.
In news, we've got a mixed bag. The US and the UK shook hands on a trade deal, and the US and China are talking again, so hopefully, that means fewer tariff headaches. The Fed decided to hold steady on interest rates, keeping them between 4.25% and 4.5%. And check this out – wholesale prices actually fell last month by 0.5%! That's a nice surprise.
On the company front, UnitedHealth Group, or UNH, took a serious hit, plunging 11% because of a federal investigation. Ouch! Walmart, or WMT, dipped a little too, warning they might have to raise prices thanks to those pesky tariffs. But hey, they also reported betterthanexpected profits, so not all bad. GE, or General Electric, got a nice boost, climbing 2.8% after Qatar said they'd only use GE engines in Boeing's widebody planes. And in retail news, Foot Locker is getting hitched to Dick's Sporting Goods. Congrats to the happy couple!
Now, for the notsosunny side. The US economy is expected to slow down this year, with growth around 1.3%, and there's even talk of a possible recession. GDP shrank a tiny bit in the first quarter, contracting by 0.1%. Some folks are worried that all these policy changes could lead to inflation, maybe even hitting 4% next year. The Fed's keeping a close eye on both unemployment and inflation risks.
So, what's the Wally Pip take on all this? Well, first off, keep an eye on Apple and Nvidia this month. Nvidia's sales to China and how a slowdown might affect AI investments are big question marks.
As for what to do with your hardearned cash, I'd say stick to a marketweight position for now. Consider tilting towards value and core stocks. And think about diversifying with some international stocks. Remember, we might see some bumps in the road, so be ready for some volatility. And as always, keep your eyes peeled on those trade negotiations and tariff situations.
That's all for today, folks! Stay informed, stay invested, and remember, even a blind squirrel finds a nut sometimes. This is Wally Pip, signing off!

Market Maze: Trade Winds & Rate Hikes

Fresh news and strategies for traders. SPY Trader episode #1168.
Hey everybody, it's your pal, Penny Pincher, here with another episode of Spy Trader! It's 6 pm on Thursday, May 15th, 2025, Pacific Time, and the markets have been a bit of a rollercoaster lately. Let's dive right in.
Okay, so the big picture is that stocks have pulled back a little from their recent highs. We saw a mixed bag yesterday, with the S&P 500 and the Dow inching up, but the Nasdaq took a little dip, especially with some tech stocks cooling off a bit.
One thing that's still hanging over everything is the USChina trade situation. Remember how everyone was excited when the US and China chilled out on tariffs? Well, that buzz is kind of fading. Walmart even warned that prices might still go up despite the deal, so that's not great news for consumers.
Sectorwise, it was a mixed bag yesterday. Utilities, consumer staples, and real estate did well, but tech took a breather after a pretty hot run. We've seen some big gains in tech lately, especially from Nvidia and Tesla, which have been driving the Nasdaq higher. But it looks like some folks are taking profits off the table.
Now, let's talk about the economy. We got some new numbers, and it looks like wholesale prices actually fell a bit in April. That's unexpected. Overall, the economy is still expected to grow, but maybe not as fast as we thought. Inflation is still a concern, even though the annual rate dipped a bit in April. Rising tariffs could make inflation worse later in the year.
The Federal Reserve is also a big focus. Everyone's hanging on Chair Powell's every word. It sounds like the Fed is going to be pretty focused on keeping inflation in check and might not be so quick to cut interest rates if the job market stays strong. Some folks are still predicting a couple of rate cuts later this year, but we'll have to wait and see.
In company news, Dick's Sporting Goods is buying Foot Locker – that's a pretty big deal! Also, Cisco reported earnings yesterday after the bell. On the notsogreat side, UnitedHealth Group took a dive after some news about a federal investigation. General Electric got a boost because Qatar is using their engines in some Boeing planes. AMD announced a big stock buyback, which is usually good news for shareholders, and Super Micro Computer is making a splash with a huge deal in Saudi Arabia.
So, what does this all mean for you? Well, with all the uncertainty around trade, inflation, and the economy, it's probably a good idea to be a little cautious. Don't put all your eggs in one basket – diversification is your friend. Focus on companies that are solid and have a good track record. And definitely keep an eye on what the Fed is doing.
As for trading recommendations, I'd say consider taking some profits in the tech sector, given its recent runup. Look into some of the more defensive sectors like utilities or consumer staples if you're feeling nervous. And always, always do your own research before making any moves. That's all for today, folks! Penny Pincher, signing off. Remember to invest smart, not hard!

Market Pulse: May 15th, 2025

Fresh news and strategies for traders. SPY Trader episode #1167.
Alright, folks, welcome back to Spy Trader! It's your pal, Penny Pincher, here, and it's 12 pm on Thursday, May 15th, 2025, Pacific time. Let's dive into what's shaking up the market today.
First up, the big picture: US stocks are looking perky, fueled by the expectation of the Fed possibly cutting rates later this year. The S&P 500 is back in the green for the year, which is something we haven't seen since March. Even the Nasdaq is trying to join the party, and the Dow's not too far behind. Seems like easing trade worries, a strong job market, and companies posting decent earnings are giving everyone a little boost.
Now, let's talk sectors. Industrials, utilities, and pharmaceuticals are flexing their muscles lately. And you know those big tech stocks? Yeah, the AI ones like Nvidia and Tesla are still making headlines with some serious gains. But remember, folks, what's hot today might not be tomorrow, so keep an eye on those trends.
In the news: It sounds like the U.S. and the U.K. shook hands on a trade deal and are chatting with China too. Plus, the U.S. and China are even easing up on those tariffs they had going on. The Fed's holding steady for now, but they're keeping a close watch on unemployment and inflation, so should we. On the data front, producer prices dropped in April, which is a good sign. But retail sales are showing a bit of a slowdown.
Companywise, GE is soaring because Qatar ordered a bunch of planes with their engines. Cisco's leading the tech charge after their earnings report, way to go Cisco! Walmart, on the other hand, is feeling the pinch from tariffs, so they're raising prices. UnitedHealth is under the microscope because of a Medicare fraud investigation. AMD announced a $6 billion stock buyback, and Super Micro Computer snagged a $20 billion deal with some data folks in Saudi Arabia. Hot stuff!
So, what should you do with all this info? Here's Penny's two cents: First, diversify, folks! Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Take a look at how the S&P 500 divides things up and use that as a guide. Second, stick with quality companies—you know, the ones with solid financials and a history of doing well. Third, keep an eye on the big picture—GDP, inflation, unemployment—the whole shebang. And finally, in these uncertain times, maybe sneak some defensive stocks like consumer staples and utilities into your portfolio.
With big Tech showing strength, but valuations are high so tread carefully. Focus on companies that have a long runway ahead of them. Keep an eye on geopolitics and any policy changes that could rock the boat.
Now, I'm not a financial advisor, so don't go betting the farm on my advice. This is just for fun, folks! Always do your own research and talk to a pro before making any big moves. Until next time, happy trading!

Market Buzz: Tariffs, Tech, and Trends

Fresh news and strategies for traders. SPY Trader episode #1166.
Hey everyone, it's your pal Wally Pip, coming at you live from Spy Trader! It's 6 am on Thursday, May 15th, 2025, and the markets are already buzzing like a caffeinated honeybee. Let's dive into what's shakin' in the financial world.
So, the market's been a bit of a mixed bag lately. On Tuesday, the Nasdaq jumped up about 0.7% for its sixth straight win, and the S&P 500 tagged along with a 0.1% bump. But, poor ol' Dow Jones took a little tumble, down 0.2%. Good news though, the S&P 500 is actually positive for the year for the first time since early March! Feels like we're finally crawling out of that winter slump, doesn't it?
Remember all that tariff drama? Well, the U.S. and China decided to play nice and cut some of those tariffs for 90 days. That's sent a nice jolt through the markets earlier in the week. The U.S. is planning to trim tariffs on most Chinese imports down to 30% from a whopping 145%, while China's gonna cut its tariffs on most U.S. goods to 10% from 125%. Fingers crossed this keeps the good vibes rollin'.
Tech stocks are lookin' mighty fine right now. Nvidia and Tesla are leadin' the charge, and chip stocks got a boost after the government eased up on those AI chip export restrictions. The Nasdaq 100 even strutted its stuff into bull market territory after the tariff news. On the flip side, pharma stocks took a bit of a hit after President Trump signed an executive order aiming to lower drug prices. Ouch!
Eight of the S&P's eleven sectors were a bit down, with healthcare, materials, and real estate feeling the pinch the most. But hey, communication services are doin' great! The top sectors are telecommunications, software, and commercial services. Keep an eye on those!
Niox Group reported some pretty sweet sales numbers, up 21% yearonyear. And Super Micro Computer, SMCI, is just soaring thanks to the AI stock rally and those new Saudi partnerships. Deals in the tech sector are definitely making people feel optimistic.
Now, let's peek at the bigger picture. S&P Global Ratings thinks GDP growth is gonna cool down a bit to 1.9% in 2025 and 2026. Inflation is still a concern, although a recent report showed it hit a fouryear low in April. The unemployment rate might creep up to around 4.6% by mid2026. And the Federal Reserve? Well, they're probably gonna hold off on those rate cuts for now, maybe start thinking about it again in 2026.
So, what should you do with all this info? First off, diversify! Don't put all your eggs in one basket, folks. Tech stocks seem promising, so maybe consider adding a little more of that to your portfolio. Keep an eye on those economic numbers – GDP, inflation, unemployment – they're important! And definitely watch the trade situation between the U.S. and China, that could really shake things up. Be a little careful with healthcare stocks right now, and maybe think about consumer staples. People always need the basics, even if times get tough.
One last thing – keep an eye on earnings reports from companies like Walmart and Alibaba. And watch out for any news coming out of company conferences and meetings. It could give you some clues about what's coming down the pike.
Okay, that's all the wisdom Wally Pip can muster for now. Remember, I'm just an AI, so don't take this as gospel. Always talk to a real financial advisor before making any big moves with your money. Stay safe out there, and happy trading!

Wall Street’s Wild Wednesday

Fresh news and strategies for traders. SPY Trader episode #1165.
Hey everyone, it's your pal Wanda Wallstreet here, and welcome back to Spy Trader! It's 6 pm on Wednesday, May 14th, 2025, Pacific time, and the markets have been throwing us some curveballs today. Let's dive right into what's been happening.
So, the market ended on a mixed note today. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq managed to eke out some gains, but the Dow took a little dip. But hey, good news! The S&P 500 is finally back in the green for the year – first time since early March! And the Nasdaq? It's only about 1% away from being positive for the year, boosted by a whopping 30% jump since early April. Big Tech continues to be the star, leading the Nasdaq to its sixth straight win.
Now, let's talk sectors. Tech is shining bright, with Nvidia and AMD making some serious moves. But it's not all sunshine and roses. Most sectors in the S&P 500 took a hit today, especially healthcare, materials, and real estate. Looks like growth sectors like tech are in favor right now, while defensive plays like healthcare are lagging behind.
In other news, we're seeing some interesting developments on the trade front. It looks like a temporary tariff reduction between the U.S. and China is giving investors some hope for a bigger trade deal. Plus, the U.S. and the U.K. shook hands on a trade agreement. On the company front, Dick's Sporting Goods might be buying Foot Locker – talk about a power play! UnitedHealth is under investigation, sending their stock tumbling. AMD announced a stock buyback program, which is always a good sign for shareholders. Super Micro Computer is soaring after some new partnerships in Saudi Arabia, and Tesla's board is thinking about a new pay package for Elon Musk. What a day!
Let's not forget the bigger picture. Inflation seems to be cooling off a bit, hitting a fouryear low in April. But the economy slowed down more than expected in the first quarter. Tariffs are still a wild card, potentially messing with economic growth while pushing inflation up. The Fed is playing it cool, leaving interest rates alone for now, and keeping a close eye on both unemployment and inflation.
Okay, Wanda's Wisdom time! The tech sector is definitely the place to be right now, especially if you're into AI. Easing trade tensions are making investors happy, but we still have mixed signals from the economy. The Fed is likely going to take a "waitandsee" approach. So, what do we do with all this?
First, diversify, diversify, diversify! With so much going on, you don't want all your eggs in one basket. Keep an eye on those trade negotiations, because they can really shake things up. Focus on companies with solid foundations and growth potential, especially in tech and renewable energy. Be ready for some ups and downs, because volatility is probably here to stay. Maybe consider setting some stoploss orders to protect your downside. And most importantly, stay informed! Keep up with the economic news, earnings reports, and Fed announcements.
Alright folks, that's all the time we have for today's Spy Trader. Remember, I'm just a financial analyst, not a fortune teller, so do your own research before making any big decisions. Until next time, this is Wanda Wallstreet, signing off! Happy trading!

Midday Market Movers: Tech’s Triumph

Fresh news and strategies for traders. SPY Trader episode #1164.
Hey everyone, it's your pal, Penny Pincher, here with your midday Spy Trader update! It's 12 pm on Wednesday, May 14th, 2025, Pacific time, and let's dive into what's shaking the market today. Buckle up, buttercups! The market's painting a mixed picture today. The Dow's feeling a little blue, down about 0.2%, but the S&P 500 is fighting back, creeping up about 0.1% and actually back in the green for the year, can you believe it? Tech is really shining as the Nasdaq's up about 0.6%. Looks like those tech wizards are at it again! Seems like US equities had a tough time finding their groove this afternoon, as investors were keeping a close eye on trade policy changes and the tech sector's strength. So, tech's where the party's at, especially for AI chipmakers! Nvidia and AMD are looking strong. AMD's up 4% after announcing a sweet $6 billion stock buyback. Plus, Super Micro Computer is just soaring! On the flip side, health care and communications stocks are dragging a bit. We've also got some major news: The US and China have agreed to cut tariffs for now, which is giving everyone a little boost. Plus, Trump's Middle East tour is bringing in new business, especially with Boeing and AI partnerships. Remember the Fed? They're holding steady on interest rates, staying put at 4.25%4.5%. They're keeping a close eye on unemployment and inflation, playing the waiting game. The labor market is still healthy, with unemployment at 4.2% in April. But, consumer sentiment took a dip in May because folks are worried about trade and inflation. Now, for my two cents: Edward Jones is betting on U.S. large and midcap stocks, expecting them to benefit from a healthy job market and those trade deals. They think the financial sector could get a boost from fewer tariffs, too. I'm keeping my eye on tech, especially those AI companies. Nvidia's up on news of AI chip shipments to Saudi Arabia. Don't forget, this isn't financial advice. I'm just a humble podcast host. But, consider diversifying your portfolio to spread the love. Trade policies can be real gamechangers, so stay informed. And keep an eye on those economic numbers like GDP and inflation. That's all for now! Stay tuned for more updates, and remember, invest wisely, friends!