Market Movers: June 16th, 2025

Fresh news and strategies for traders. SPY Trader episode #1240. Hey everyone, it's your pal Penny Pincher here, and welcome to Spy Trader! It's 6 am on Monday, June 16th, 2025, Pacific time, and we're diving headfirst into what's moving the markets today. Buckle up, buttercups, because it's gonna be a bumpy ride! First up, the US stock market is showing a bit of a rebound after some recent wobbles caused by those pesky geopolitical tensions, namely the IsraelIran situation, and of course, the always thrilling USChina trade negotiations. The US500 is up to 6002 points, gaining 0.43% today. Not too shabby, eh? Overall it is up almost 10% from last year at this time. But don't get too excited, some folks are saying we might be stuck in a trading range for the next 6 to 12 months. Now, let's talk sectors. IT, Realty, Oil & Gas, and Metals are the cool kids today, showing some nice gains. But for the whole year, Conglomerates, Utilities, and Consumer NonCyclicals are the real MVPs. Poor Consumer Discretionary is lagging behind – maybe people are finally realizing they don't need that fifth pair of avocadothemed socks. So, what's making the market tick? Well, that IsraelIran conflict is still a major headache, sending oil prices soaring like a SpaceX rocket. Speaking of the Fed, everyone's holding their breath for their meeting this week. Word on the street is they're gonna hold steady on interest rates, but we'll be glued to our screens for any hints about future rate cuts. Fingers crossed! We are also waiting for new manufacturing data. And of course, those trade wars are still looming, making CEOs sweat and think twice about big investments. In company news, Himalaya Food International is celebrating! They just landed a huge order for their Brown Patties from a major US food manufacturer. Go patties, go! On the macro front, things are a bit of a mixed bag. The US economy is expected to slow down a bit this year. GDP actually shrank in the first quarter, but apparently that's because everyone was stocking up on imports before those tariffs hit. Sneaky! Inflation is still a bit high, around 2.4%, and those tariffs could make it even worse. The job market is holding strong, though, with unemployment at 4.2%. The housing market, on the other hand, is feeling a bit queasy with buyers getting hesitant. Okay, so what does all this mean? That IsraelIran thing is making everyone nervous, sending investors running for safety. Rising oil prices are also not helping, adding fuel to the inflation fire. The Fed's next move is crucial, and those tariffs are like a dark cloud hanging over everything. So, what should you do with your hardearned cash? First, diversify, diversify, diversify! Don't put all your eggs in one basket, unless it's a basket of gold, maybe. Consider spreading your bets across different asset classes and sectors, and maybe even look at international stocks – they've been doing pretty well lately. Keep an eye on that whole Middle East situation, because it could send the market on a wild rollercoaster ride. Focus on quality companies that are built to last, and maybe think about value stocks – they might be a safer bet right now. Be careful with growth stocks, especially the ones that are sensitive to trade and interest rates. They might be a bit too spicy for the current market conditions. And keep a close watch on the Fed – their decisions will be a major market mover. Most importantly, keep a longterm perspective. Don't panic sell when the market dips, and don't get greedy when it soars. Remember, investing is a marathon, not a sprint. And that's the skinny for today! Remember, I'm just a humble podcast host, not a financial advisor. Always do your own research and talk to a professional before making any big investment decisions. Stay safe, stay savvy, and I'll catch you next time on Spy Trader!