The SPY Trader
Welcome to ’The SPY Trader,’ your essential audio resource for trading insights. Broadcasting every few hours, our podcast delivers timely summaries of critical news impacting the markets, expert analysis, and trading recommendations. Whether you’re a seasoned trader or just starting, tune in to stay ahead of market trends and refine your trading strategy with actionable insights. This podcast is AI-generated. Disclaimer: The information provided on ’The SPY Trader’ podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice. Trading in financial markets involves significant risk, and decisions should be based on your own due diligence and consultation with a professional financial advisor where appropriate. The creators of ’The SPY Trader’ assume no responsibility for any financial losses or gains you may incur as a result of information presented on this podcast. Listener discretion is advised.
Episodes

5 days ago
5 days ago
Fresh news and strategies for traders. SPY Trader episode #1053.
Hey, it's your pal, Penny Stocksington, back with another edition of Spy Trader! It's 6 am on Friday, March 28th, 2025, Pacific time, and let's dive into what's moving the markets today. First, the bad news; US stocks closed slightly lower yesterday, with the S&P 500 dipping about 0.3%. Blame those new auto tariffs! But don't fret, we're still in the green for the week. On the sector front, we saw the usual suspects in consumer staples and healthcare holding their own. Energy, communication services, and tech? Not so much. Seems like the market is taking a breather from those megacap tech darlings that have been hogging the spotlight. Speaking of spotlights, President Trump slapped a 25% tariff on automobiles not made in the good ol' US of A. That sent General Motors down 7.4% and Ford down 3.9%. Tesla, however, got a free pass since they assemble their cars here, so they actually traded higher! In other news, Goldman Sachs is super bullish on gold, raising their yearend price target to $3,300 an ounce. Lululemon had a bit of a stumble, their shares took a plunge after a weakerthanexpected outlook for the first quarter and 2025. On the macro front, things are looking...okayish. GDP data was benign, jobless claims came in slightly below expectations. The final estimate for Q4 GDP was a seasonally adjusted 2.4%, a tad above the expected 2.3%. Initial weekly jobless claims were at 224,000, a little better than anticipated. The Fed is playing it cool, keeping interest rates steady and sticking to their forecast of two rate cuts this year. They're being patient, given the slowing economic growth and all the policy uncertainty. The economy is slowing down from its previous sprint, the forecast for this year has been lowered to 1.7% down from 2.1% in December. The labor market is still kicking, though job growth is expected to slow down a bit. We're seeing some cooling signs like concentrated job growth, fewer hours worked, a slightly higher unemployment rate, and lower labor force participation. Job growth is expected to decelerate from 160,000 per month in 2024 to around 80,000 per month this year, with the unemployment rate rising above 4.5%. Inflation data is bumpy, and consumer spending is still chugging along. Winnebago Industries reported better secondquarter revenue than expected. Advanced Micro Devices or AMD, got a downgrade from Jefferies, from Buy to Hold and they lowered their price target. Now, what does all this mean for your wallet? Trade policy is likely to stay messy. These tariffs could spark some retaliation and mess with the economy. My advice? Diversify! U.S. equity markets are wobbly, and trade is uncertain. International developed largecap stocks and U.S. investmentgrade bonds have been doing well this year. Be picky with your stocks! Countrylevel events are creating opportunities in global stocks. I'd suggest overweighting U.S. stocks on a six to 12month basis, but watch out, uncertainty could hurt both U.S. and global assets. Looking ahead, GDP growth is expected to slow to 2.2% in 2025 and 1.3% in 2026. There's about a 40% chance of a recession in the next 12 months. The federal budget deficit is expected to rise slightly from 6.2% of GDP in 2024 to 6.8% in 2025 before decreasing. Okay, before I sign off, I have a joke. Why do accountants make good drivers? They know how to "balance" the books and their speed! That's all for today, folks. Keep those portfolios diversified, and I'll catch you next time on Spy Trader!

6 days ago
6 days ago
Fresh news and strategies for traders. SPY Trader episode #1052.
Hey, it's your pal Buck Naked here, and welcome back to Spy Trader! It's 6 pm on Thursday, March 27th, 2025, Pacific time, and the market's been a bit of a rollercoaster today. Let's dive into what's been shaking things up. First off, the major indexes took a hit today, continuing yesterday's trend. The S&P 500 is down 0.3%, the Dow shed 0.4%, and the Nasdaq slipped 0.5%. Seems like the bears are having a little party. Sectorwise, Consumer Discretionary, Consumer Staples and Healthcare sectors outperformed, being among the top performing sectors of the S&P 500, while Technology and Energy booked the biggest losses. Autos really got slammed, with General Motors, Ford, Honda, and Toyota all feeling the pain. So, what's behind all this? Well, President Trump announced a hefty 25% tariff on imported cars and auto parts. This sent shockwaves through the auto sector, no surprise there! Speaking of numbers, Q4 GDP growth was revised slightly up to 2.4%, and initial jobless claims were pretty much as expected. The goods trade deficit, though, came in higher than anticipated. Now, let's talk companies. General Motors shares tumbled over 7% after the tariff news, while Tesla actually gained some ground. Jefferies shares also took a beating, with their CEO blaming global factors and U.S. policy uncertainties. Diving a bit deeper, the tariff situation is really creating a divide. Companies like Tesla, that have more domestic production, are doing relatively well, while those relying on global supply chains, like GM and Ford, are struggling. It's all about who can adapt and who can't. There might also be a sector rotation happening, with investors moving away from tech and into more defensive sectors like consumer staples and healthcare. Makes sense, right? Everyone needs their toothpaste and checkups, no matter what the market's doing. While GDP growth was positive, there are some worries about a potential slowdown in the first quarter of 2025. And inflation? Still above the Fed's target, which could make those interest rate cuts a little less likely. Speaking of interest rates, the Federal Reserve held steady at 4.25%4.5% recently, and they're still projecting two cuts this year. But with inflation still sticky, who knows? Overall, investor sentiment is a bit shaky, thanks to those tariffs and the uncertain economic outlook. So, what's a savvy investor to do? Well, first things first: diversification is your friend. Spread your investments across different asset classes and sectors to cushion the blow. The trade policy is likely to remain a source of uncertainty for markets over the coming weeks and months which strengthens the case for portfolio diversification. Think about increasing your exposure to those defensive sectors like consumer staples and healthcare. Be careful with auto stocks, especially those that rely heavily on imports. Keep a close eye on those economic data releases, especially inflation figures, as they'll really influence what the Fed does. Remember to maintain a longterm perspective, and don't make any kneejerk reactions based on shortterm market swings. Consider International Developed Markets as well. Despite volatility in U.S. equity markets, international developed largecap stocks have gained nearly 10% this year including dividends while U.S. investment grade bonds have gained roughly 2%. And finally, remember, this is just my take on things based on the information we have right now. Always talk to a qualified financial advisor before making any big decisions. One last thing before I go What do you call a sleepy investment advisor? A snoozefund manager. Until next time, this is Buck Naked, keeping it real and helping you navigate the market!

6 days ago
6 days ago
Fresh news and strategies for traders. SPY Trader episode #1051.
Alright folks, it's your pal Dip Master Dave here, and welcome to 'Spy Trader'! It's 12 pm on Thursday, March 27th, 2025, Pacific time, and we're diving headfirst into the choppy waters of today's market. What's a stockbroker's favorite dance move? The bullish swing.
First up, the big picture: US stocks have been all over the place today, a real rollercoaster thanks to those pesky tariff concerns and some mixed economic signals. The S&P 500 is currently up around 0.3% in midday trading, trying to claw its way back from earlier losses. However, other reports show the SPY ended down over 1%. The Dow is hovering slightly down, less than a hair's breadth really, and the Nasdaq's up a similar amount to the S&P.
Let's drill down. Consumer discretionary is looking strong, like people are still out there spending. On the flip side, tech and energy are getting hammered. That FANG index is down nearly 3% yesterday, ouch! We're also seeing weakness in media, hotels, and financials.
So, what's driving this crazy train? Tariffs, tariffs, tariffs! President Trump slapped a 25% tariff on imported cars, starting April 2nd. General Motors (GM) is feeling the pain, their stock's down. But Tesla (TSLA) is catching a tailwind, likely because they're producing more cars stateside. Rivian is also seeing a bit of a boost.
On the economic front, Q4 GDP got a tiny bump to 2.4%, but overall growth is expected to slow down this year and next. Inflation is still above the Fed's target, and consumer spending seems to be weakening. Speaking of the Fed, they're playing it cool, likely holding steady on interest rates for now.
Oh, and quick note on Microsoft. TD Cowen reported Microsoft could be pulling back from data centers, hitting the AI complex.
Alright, let's talk about what to do with all this info, and remember, this isn't financial advice, just your buddy Dave's take. Diversify, diversify, diversify! With this much uncertainty, don't put all your eggs in one basket. Keep a close eye on those tariff impacts, look for companies that might benefit from the changes, but be wary of those that will get burned. Focus on value stocks. With potential market volatility, companies with solid fundamentals are your friends. Also, bonds might be a good play given potential rate cuts and slower growth. And don't forget about international stocks, especially in regions where growth might be picking up.
That's all for today's 'Spy Trader'! Stay frosty, and remember, do your own research before making any moves. Dip Master Dave, out!

6 days ago
6 days ago
Fresh news and strategies for traders. SPY Trader episode #1050.
Good morning, Spy Traders! It's your pal Bubba here, and it's 6 am on Thursday, March 27th, 2025 (Pacific). Let's dive into what's moving the markets today. First off, remember that joke? How did the financial advisor buy his house? With 'interest' money! Okay, now to business.
The U.S. stock market is still trying to find its footing after that little selloff earlier in March. Remember those tariff worries? Well, things are still a bit choppy out there. Yesterday was a bit of a downer, with the S&P 500 taking a 1.1% hit. The Dow also dipped, and the Nasdaq got whacked, dropping a whole 2% mainly because the big tech guys were feeling the heat. Before that, we had a nice threeday winning streak, so it's been a wild ride, folks. At least the Dow is back in the green for the year, so we got that going for us, which is nice.
Speaking of the 'Magnificent Seven,' they're really calling the shots these days. Nvidia and Tesla took a tumble yesterday, which is why the Nasdaq got hammered. Also, Super Micro Computer, or SMCI, got downgraded by Goldman Sachs and its shares tanked. But it's not all bad news! International Paper, ticker symbol IP, saw its shares jump after they released some rosy growth projections. So, there are pockets of sunshine out there.
Now, let's talk about the big picture. The economy's still growing, but not as fast as it used to. The job market's still pretty solid, but we're seeing some cracks, like job growth slowing down and unemployment creeping up. The Fed's being patient, as they say, and are likely to cut interest rates twice this year. They also bumped up their inflation forecast a bit, so keep an eye on that. And get this, consumer confidence is at a fouryear low! Not exactly a recipe for explosive growth.
Alright, so what should you do with all this info? Well, first off, diversify, diversify, diversify! Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Bonds and international stocks might be worth a look to balance things out. Focus on companies with solid earnings, healthy balance sheets, and that are innovative and efficient. Keep a close eye on those economic reports – inflation, employment, consumer spending – they're all key. And pay attention to the tariff situation, because that can really mess with certain sectors.
For the tech sector, I'd say be a little cautious. It's been a star for a while, but maybe it's time to be more selective. Look for the tech companies with a real advantage and strong foundations. Given the economic uncertainty, consider shifting some investments towards more stable sectors like consumer staples or healthcare. Remember, keep the long game in mind. This market will continue to be bumpy for a while.
Disclaimer time: I'm just a friendly AI, not a financial advisor. This is all just for fun and informational purposes. Before you make any big moves, talk to a pro. Stay safe out there, Spy Traders, and I'll catch you on the next one!

7 days ago
7 days ago
Fresh news and strategies for traders. SPY Trader episode #1049.
Hey everyone, it's your pal Penny Pincher here, and welcome to Spy Trader! It's 6 pm on Wednesday, March 26th, 2025, and the market's been doing the chacha – one step forward, two steps back. Let's dive into what's been shakin' today. Seems like that threeday rally we were enjoying hit a snag today. All the major indexes took a tumble. The S&P 500 is down about 1.1%, but the real ouch came from the Nasdaq, which dropped a whole 2%. The Dow had a particularly rough day, swinging from a 230point gain to a 132point loss by the close. Remember that selloff from earlier in March? Well, the worries about tariffs and the economy are back in the spotlight. Speaking of spotlights, tech stocks are getting hammered! Nvidia and Tesla are taking a major hit, and the big boys like Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, and Meta are all feeling the pressure. It's not just tech either; Telecommunications, Hardware Technology, Commercial Services, Healthcare, and Utilities are all down too. However, energy stocks are looking pretty good, riding the wave of rising oil prices. Consumer staples are also holding their own. On the bright side, Cintas is soaring because they crushed their earnings expectations. And Dollar Tree is up because they're finally selling off Family Dollar – maybe they can finally focus on what they do best! Now, what's behind all this market madness? Tariffs! President Trump is expected to announce those auto tariffs, and everyone's nervous about the wider reciprocal tariffs coming on April 2nd. Weakerthanexpected consumer confidence data isn't helping either. Plus, we're all waiting for the Fed's preferred inflation measure. In company news, GameStop jumped after deciding to add Bitcoin to their investment policy – talk about a plot twist! Moderna, on the other hand, took a hit because the U.S. is reportedly cutting funding for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. All this uncertainty is fueling recession fears. People are worried that these tariffs could bring back inflation and slam the brakes on economic growth. The Fed's playing it cool, keeping interest rates steady and projecting two rate cuts this year, but they're watching the new administration's policies like hawks. Given all the craziness, I'm recommending a cautious approach. Maybe diversify your investments. Tech's looking shaky, but energy and consumer staples seem to be holding up. Keep a close eye on those economic data releases, especially inflation numbers. Remember to keep a longterm perspective and don't panic sell! Market corrections can be a chance to snag quality stocks at a discount. And hey, don't forget about international equities; they're showing some strength. Why don't financial analysts use sparklers? They prefer fireworks in the market! But seriously folks, remember this is just my take on things, so do your own research before making any big moves. Until next time, this is Penny Pincher, signing off! Happy trading, or at least, happy trying to survive the trading day!

7 days ago
7 days ago
Fresh news and strategies for traders. SPY Trader episode #1048.
Hey everyone, it's your pal Penny Pincher here, ready to dive into the world of finance! It's 12 pm on Wednesday, March 26th, 2025, Pacific time, and things are looking a bit bumpy in the market today. So, grab your coffee, and let's make some sense of it all! What's a financial therapist's advice? Let's get to the bottom of your debts.
Okay, so here's the lowdown. Stocks took a bit of a tumble today, putting a pause on what was a nice threeday winning streak. The S&P 500 is down 1.4%, the Nasdaq's feeling it even more at down 2.3%, and the Dow is down 0.6%. The 'Magnificent Seven' stocks seem to be right in the middle of this selloff.
Tech stocks are really feeling the heat, with Tesla and Nvidia both down over 6%. Super Micro Computer is down a whopping 9%! Even the big players like Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, and Meta are in the red. On the bright side, Cintas is up over 6%, leading the S&P 500 advancers. UPS shares are up about 1%, Dollar Tree shares are up nearly 5%, and International Paper shares are also experiencing gains, while Oklo shares are down 8%.
President Trump is expected to announce new tariffs on automobile imports around 4 p.m. ET, and more tariffs are expected on April 2nd, which is making everyone a bit nervous. Consumer confidence data came in weaker than expected, hitting a fouryear low. We're also waiting on the Fed's preferred inflation measure, which comes out on Friday.
The economy is still growing, but maybe not as fast as we thought. Inflation is still higher than the Fed wants it to be, but the labor market is holding steady. The Fed decided to hold interest rates steady at their last meeting, and they're still thinking about maybe cutting rates a couple of times this year.
So, what's going on here? Well, it seems like trade uncertainty, especially with those tariffs, is a big factor. The tech sector, which has been carrying the market, is stumbling a bit. And, of course, there are those recession worries that just won't go away. Plus, consumers aren't feeling as confident as they used to be, which isn't great for the economy.
Given all this, I'd say it's time to be a little cautious. Make sure you've got a good mix of investments to cushion any blows. Keep your eyes on the long term and try not to panic over shortterm ups and downs. Keep an eye on those economic reports, especially the inflation numbers, to see where things might be headed. Consider investing in sectors that are a bit more stable, like consumer staples or healthcare. I would recommend checking out these shares as well: Mehul Kothari from Anand Rathi Shares recommends buying stocks of RBL Bank, FirstCry, and Voltamp Transformers and Sumeet Bagadia recommends buying these shares: Shaily Engineering Plastics, Bajaj Healthcare, Cholamandalam Financial Holdings, Kiri Industries, and V2 Retail.
And remember, I'm just a funloving AI, not a financial advisor. This is all for informational purposes, so make sure you talk to a professional before making any big decisions. Stay safe out there, and I'll catch you in the next update!

7 days ago
7 days ago
Fresh news and strategies for traders. SPY Trader episode #1047.
Alright, Spy Traders, it's your pal Barry Bonds...the financial one, not the baseball one! It's 6 am on Wednesday, March 26th, 2025, and we're diving headfirst into the market. Buckle up, because it's been a wild ride. We saw a bit of a recovery yesterday, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq both inching up, but let's not forget the S&P is still down quite a bit since January. All these tariffs and economic worries have investors on edge. Remember that in early March, U.S. stocks entered correction territory, reflecting uncertainty surrounding new Trump administration tariff policies and growing economic concerns.
So, what's making headlines? Well, tariffs, tariffs, and more tariffs! The market is hanging on every word about whether President Trump is going to scale back some of them. The Fed also held interest rates steady, but they're projecting slower growth and a bit more inflation.
Let's talk sectors. Tech had a decent day yesterday with Tesla showing strong gains despite some bad sales numbers in Europe. Seems like everyone is hyped about selfdriving cars and robots! Apple, Alphabet, Amazon, and Meta also saw gains. Energy and financial services sectors were top performers, while basic materials and consumer defensives lagged. Value stocks continue to outperform growth. United Parcel Service, UPS, took a hit after Bank of America lowered its earnings forecast. KB Home also dropped after a weak earnings report, citing consumer hesitation. On the flip side, Dollar Tree is popping because they might sell off Family Dollar, and GameStop, get this, GameStop is planning to put Bitcoin into their investment strategy, wild!
Okay, Barry's Breakdown time. This market feels like a rollercoaster designed by a committee. We've got geopolitical risks like the RussiaUkraine war and tensions with China adding to the mix. The OECD is projecting slower GDP growth, and the Fed is bumping up inflation expectations. All this uncertainty can make you want to stuff your money under the mattress, but that's not the Barry Bonds way! Remember: What do you call a banker without a job? A branch manager without a branch.
So, what's Barry recommending? First, stick to the fundamentals. Focus on solid companies with good valuations. Value stocks might be a good bet right now. Smallcap stocks may be trading at a discount. Spread your eggs around – diversify! European stocks are looking interesting. Keep a close eye on those tariffs, they’re a huge market mover. And most importantly, remember this is a marathon, not a sprint. Don't panic sell when things get bumpy.
Now, a quick disclaimer: This is just my opinion, folks. Do your own research, talk to a financial advisor, and don't blame Barry if your yacht doesn't materialize overnight. Until next time, happy trading!

Tuesday Mar 25, 2025
Tuesday Mar 25, 2025
Fresh news and strategies for traders. SPY Trader episode #1046.
Hey there, Spy Traders! It's your pal, Penny Pincher, here, broadcasting live, well, not really live, but you know what I mean. It's 6 pm on Tuesday, March 25th, 2025, Pacific time, and we're diving headfirst into the market madness!
So, what's the buzz today? Well, after a bit of a rough patch, the US stock market is showing some green shoots, folks. We're seeing signs of recovery after that monthlong selloff, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq both up a little, around 0.2% and 0.5% respectively. Even the Dow is inching its way up. But remember, even with these recent gains, the US500 index is still down 2.01% since the start of the year.
Now, let's talk sectors. Communication and consumer discretionary stocks are leading the charge today. Looking ahead, Charles Schwab is saying Financials and Communication Services could be the outperformers over the next 612 months. Consumer Discretionary, on the other hand, is lagging behind, partly because of Tesla's struggles in Europe. Speaking of Tesla, it did rally late Tuesday, gaining ground for the 5th session in a row, so maybe there is some hope.
In other news, those tariff talks are still all over the place. Remember how the market got a little boost earlier in the week because of talk that President Trump might ease up on some tariffs? Well, hold your horses! Now there's chatter about new tariffs on pharmaceuticals and autos. This is definitely creating some market uncertainty.
Consumer confidence also took a hit, hitting a fouryear low. And the Fed? They're holding steady on interest rates, sticking with their prediction of two cuts this year. But they did bump up their inflation forecast a tad, expecting 2.7% for the year.
Companywise, besides Tesla, we saw UPS shares take a 5% dive after Bank of America lowered their earnings forecast. KB Home also dropped 5% after a notsogreat earnings report. On the flip side, International Paper is looking pretty good after their investor day. Oh, and Trump Media is partnering with Crypto.com on some

Tuesday Mar 25, 2025
Tuesday Mar 25, 2025
Fresh news and strategies for traders. SPY Trader episode #1045.
Hey everyone, it's your pal Penny Pincher here, and welcome to Spy Trader! It's 12 pm on Tuesday, March 25th, 2025, Pacific Time, and things are, well, mixed out there in the market. What's an investor's favorite day? Pay Day. Let's dive into today's news, insights, and maybe, just maybe, a little bit of profitmaking. First up, we've seen US stocks try to recover after that 10% dip earlier in March – you know, the one that everyone called a 'correction.' Good news is that we're up from that low, but bad news, the S&P 500 is still about 6% below its alltime high. Seems like the market's swinging on the hopes that President Trump's tariff plans might not be as drastic as everyone initially feared. Looking at the indexes, the S&P 500 is mostly unchanged this afternoon, after jumping 1.8% yesterday. The Dow is down just a hair, about 0.1%, while the Nasdaq is showing a little pep with a 0.3% gain. Fox Business is keeping an eye on financials and health care sectors, so check them out for live updates.
Now, let's dig into some specific news. Trump Media & Technology Group had a nice bump after announcing a deal with Crypto.com to launch 'AmericaFirst' investment funds. On the flip side, nuclear energy startup Oklo saw its shares tumble after posting a biggerthanexpected loss for 2024. Tesla's sales in Europe keep sliding, and UniFirst shares took a hit because Cintas called off the acquisition talks. KB Home also dropped after lowering their revenue forecast for the year. All of this is happening against a backdrop of some shaky economic data. Consumer confidence took a bigger hit than expected, and some worry that consumer expectations are signaling a possible recession. Investors are also sweating about those tariffs potentially reigniting inflation and messing up economic growth. We've got the Fed's preferred inflation measure coming out on Friday, so keep an eye on that. Oh, and GDP growth slowed down in Q4, and folks are starting to lower their GDP forecasts for 2025. The market is really sensitive to these tariff headlines, and consumer confidence is definitely a worry. Inflation could become a problem if these tariffs stick around, which might force the Fed's hand. We're seeing mixed signals, but overall, a bit of caution is warranted here.
Alright, let's talk about what to do with all this information. Number one, stay diversified! Don't put all your eggs in one basket, especially with all this uncertainty. Secondly, be careful with growth stocks, especially tech, because they can be sensitive to tariff stuff. Maybe consider trimming those positions if they're a big chunk of your portfolio. Now might be a good time to look at value stocks, which may have been overlooked during the market's crazy runup. Pay attention to those economic reports coming out, especially inflation data and what the Fed says. For those who don't like risk, think about moving some money into defensive sectors like utilities and consumer staples – they tend to hold up better when things get rocky. Remember to check your portfolio regularly and make adjustments as needed. And of course, do your homework before making any moves, and if you're feeling lost, talk to a financial advisor. I'm Penny Pincher, not a financial advisor, so this is all for informational purposes only, not a recommendation to buy or sell anything. Stay safe out there, and happy trading!

Tuesday Mar 25, 2025
Tuesday Mar 25, 2025
Fresh news and strategies for traders. SPY Trader episode #1044.
Alright folks, welcome back to Spy Trader! It's your pal, Penny Pincher, here with you. And hey, it's 6 am on Tuesday, March 25th, 2025, Pacific time, so let's dive right into what's shaking up the market. What's a banker's favorite wrestling move? The fiscal hold. Get it? Anyway... The market's been on a rollercoaster, hasn't it? We saw a pretty sweet rally recently, with the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq all jumping up. On Monday, March 24th the Dow climbed 1.42%, the S&P 500 jumped 1.76%, and the Nasdaq surged 2.27%. A lot of this good mood comes from whispers that the Trump administration might be easing up on those reciprocal tariffs everyone's been sweating about. Remember that dip we had in early March? Stocks took a nosedive, dropping about 10% because everyone was nervous about the tariffs and the economy. So, this rally is basically digging us out of that hole. Even with the recent rally, the US500 is still down 2.07% since the beginning of the year, so don't go spending those profits just yet! Now, let's talk sectors. Tech's been leading the charge. Tesla had a wild ride, shooting up 12% after Elon Musk got everyone hyped about selfdriving and robots, plus the smart drivingassistance feature may be available in China soon. Nvidia, Amazon, and Meta all saw some love too. Chip stocks like AMD and NXP Semiconductors also hopped on the bandwagon. The consumer discretionary and staples sectors have also been showing some strength, along with energy and real estate. On the flip side, earlier in March, tech was dragging its feet, and over the last month, consumer discretionary, communications, and IT haven't been top performers. The main thing moving the market is still those darn tariffs. Any hint of a change in policy sends investors into a frenzy. Also, the Fed decided to sit tight on interest rates, waiting to see what happens with the tariffs. In other news, Super Micro Computer, or SMCI, is still hot because everyone's going nuts for AI infrastructure. 23andMe, well, not so good – they filed for bankruptcy and the CEO bounced. And StubHub's trying to go public with an IPO. Looking at the bigger picture, the US economy was cooking last year, but it might be slowing down a bit this year. The OECD thinks GDP growth will cool off from 2.2% this year to 1.6% next year. Inflation's still hanging around, and while it's supposed to ease up a bit, it might still be higher than what central banks want. The Fed's guessing unemployment will be around 4.4% this year and 4.3% for the next couple of years. People are feeling a little shaky about the economy, especially with those tariffs looming. The US had a record trade deficit in January. And the OECD thinks global growth will slow down a smidge too, thanks to those trade barriers and general uncertainty. So, what should you do with all this info? First, keep your eyes glued to any tariff news – that's the big kahuna right now. Maybe spread your bets around different sectors, just in case things get bumpy. And keep an eye on those economic numbers – GDP, inflation, the whole shebang. I'd be looking at value stocks. Also, maybe peek at global stocks, especially in Europe. And remember, buckle up, because it might be a wild ride! Consider using stoploss orders just in case. Now, I'm just a humble podcast host, not a financial advisor, so don't go blaming me if things go south! This is just my take based on what's happening right now. Talk to a real pro before making any big moves. That's all for today, folks! Stay tuned for the next Spy Trader update. Happy trading!