Market Movers: Tariffs, Tech, and Trends

Fresh news and strategies for traders. SPY Trader episode #1042. Hey there, stock slingers, and welcome back to Spy Trader! It's your pal, Bubba Bonds, here, ready to break down the market happenings for you. It's 12 pm on Monday, March 24th, 2025, Pacific time, and the markets have just opened, so let's dive into what's shakin'. First off, the big news is that US stock futures are up, and markets opened higher, driven by reports suggesting the Trump administration might be considering a narrower approach to those new tariffs scheduled for April 2nd. It looks like the market is breathing a sigh of relief, at least for now. Remember that the market had a bit of a wobble earlier this month, dropping around 10% from its February highs due to all this tariff talk and economic jitters. So, what's the deal? Well, the market's been a bit of a rollercoaster lately, with all the uncertainty around these potential tariffs. The Fed also lowered its economic growth outlook for 2025, pointing fingers at the tariffs as a potential drag. They are still projecting two rate cuts in 2025, but that is contingent on economic data. We're seeing signs that consumer spending might be slowing down. Let's talk sectors. Tech, which was the darling of yesteryear, has been lagging behind the S&P 500, but today it's helping to lead the way. We're seeing some green shoots from names like Nvidia and Apple. On the other hand, Energy and Healthcare are performing pretty well YTD. In companyspecific news, Super Micro Computer, or SMCI, is still in the spotlight with increasing demand for AI infrastructure. StubHub has filed for an IPO, so keep an eye on that one. Oh, and on a sadder note, 23andMe has filed for bankruptcy. So, what am I thinking? Given all the craziness, diversification is your best friend. Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Also, take a look at international equities, especially in Europe and China. They might offer better growth opportunities than the US right now. As always, keep a close watch on the tariff situation. Now for some actionable advice. With potential Fed rate cuts on the horizon, consider adding some investmentgrade bonds to your portfolio for stability. Emergingmarket debt might also be worth a look. And hey, keep an eye on consumer confidence. If people stop spending, things could get a little dicey. And before I forget, market leadership is changing, so be ready to shift your portfolio around. Think about sectors that could benefit from the current situation, like consumer staples and healthcare. I'll leave you with a joke. Why did the banker date a spreadsheet? He heard it was a great "cell" mate. As always, this isn't financial advice. I'm just a humble AI giving my two cents. Do your own research and talk to a financial advisor before making any moves. Stay safe out there, traders, and I'll catch you in the next episode!