The SPY Trader

Wall Street Friday: Trade Talks & Tariff Tightrope

Fresh news and strategies for traders. SPY Trader episode #1153.
Hey there, Spy Traders! It's your pal, Penny Pincher, comin' at ya live from the West Coast. It's 12 pm on Friday, May 9th, 2025, and the market's doin' its thing. Let's dive into what's shakin' those Wall Street trees today.
So, overall, the market's lookin' kinda green. The Dow's up about 0.6%, NASDAQ's rockin' at a 1% gain, and the S&P is sittin' pretty at about 0.6% too. But hold your horses, folks, 'cause everyone's kinda holdin' their breath waitin' for these USChina trade talks this weekend in Switzerland.
Sectorwise, Consumer Discretionary and Energy are poppin' bottles, while Consumer Staples is feelin' a little blue. Industrials and Tech are chuggin' along nicely, but Real Estate, Healthcare, Utilities, and especially Telecommunications are takin' a bit of a nosedive today.
Now, for the juicy news! Trump's floated the idea of dialin' back those China tariffs, from a crazy 145% down to 80%. That could be a big deal, so keep an eye on those trade talks. We also hammered out a trade deal with the UK, so good news there! The Fed decided to keep interest rates steady, but Powell's mentioned that tariffs are makin' the inflation and unemployment monsters a little scarier. They wanna see more data before makin' any big moves.
Earnings season's still in full swing, and about 76% of the S&P 500 companies are beatin' expectations. Not too shabby!
Macrowise, things are lookin' a little…iffy. The economy's probably gonna slow down this year. We're talkin' maybe 2.6% growth, but some folks are even predictin' a nosedive to 1.3%. Inflation could creep up to 4% next year because of all these tariffs. Unemployment might tick up towards 5%. People are still spendin', but they might get a little stingier if prices keep climbin'. And the government? Well, they're still spendin' more than they're makin'.
Companywise, Tesla's havin' a party, up over 5%! Megacap tech is a mixed bag. Apple, Amazon, and Broadcom are inchin' up, but Microsoft, Nvidia, Alphabet, and Meta are all feelin' a little down. Expedia's gettin' hammered after missin' their earnings. Ouch!
So, what's Penny think? Things are a little shaky, folks. Trade and tariffs are the big wildcards here, and inflation could be a problem. Some folks are even whisperin' about a possible recession.
Here's my two cents: Diversify, diversify, diversify! Keep a close eye on those trade talks, 'cause they're gonna move the market. Maybe think about puttin' some money in those 'safe' sectors like consumer staples and healthcare, though keep in mind consumer staples is currently down. Pay attention to those earnings reports, especially how companies are handlin' those tariffs. And keep an ear out for what the Fed's sayin'.
That's all for today, folks! Keep your eye on the ball, don't panic, and remember, even a penny saved is a penny earned! Penny Pincher, out!

Market Movers: Trade Winds and Tariff Tides

Fresh news and strategies for traders. SPY Trader episode #1152.
Hey there, Spy Traders! It's your pal Wally Pip, coming to you live from my sound booth, which today is my laundry room. It's 6 am on Friday, May 9th, 2025, Pacific time, and let's dive into what's moving the markets this lovely morning! So the big news: The US stock market has been all over the place this year, but it's recently shown some serious bounceback, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq are up a nice percentage over the last couple of weeks. We're seeing a 'riskon' mentality, meaning investors are feeling a bit more confident. Why was the stock market so happy after the jobs report? Because it felt like it had finally found a job with some stability! But seriously, the markets closed higher on Friday because job gains for April beat expectations, and that's making everyone happy. Diving deeper, the tech sector is looking strong. Diversification is key, with wider earnings growth expected to even things out across different sectors. However, those sweeping tariffs from April 2025 have shifted all sector ratings to 'Marketperform', so keep that in mind. Speaking of global stuff, this new USUK trade deal is definitely boosting market vibes, with President Trump talking it up big time. Plus, there's talk of easing tariffs on China, but that depends on how these upcoming trade talks go. On the macro front, while the US economy is still expected to grow this year, the rate is slowing down compared to previous years. Inflation could be on the rise because of those higher tariffs, and the Federal Reserve might cut interest rates twice in the second half of the year. Unemployment is expected to creep up a bit as things slow down. Earnings season is in full swing, and most companies are beating expectations. However, the guidance for the next quarter is looking a little shaky due to worries about consumer spending and trade issues. So, what does all this mean for you? First, keep an eye on trade and tariffs, as they're a big question mark for the economy. Consumers might start tightening their belts, so watch out for that. Now, my recommendations: Given the market's ups and downs, diversification is your best friend. Also, stay glued to those trade talks and tariff policies – they can change the game fast. Focus on the fundamentals, like company earnings and economic data. And with the potential for slower growth and higher unemployment, consider adding some defensive sectors to your portfolio. So that is it for today folks, this is not investment advice. Stay informed and do your homework. Wally Pip, signing off! See you in a few!

Market Rollercoaster: Tariffs, Trade, and Today’s Trades

Fresh news and strategies for traders. SPY Trader episode #1151.
Hey there, Spy Traders! It's your pal, Finny McFinance, here to break down the market for you. It's 6 pm on Thursday, May 8th, 2025, and things have been a bit of a rollercoaster. Let's dive right in! So, the stock market's been doing the chacha – one step forward, two steps back. Earlier this week, on May 6th, we saw a dip because everyone was worried about Trump's tariffs messing with company profits. But today, May 8th, things bounced back thanks to that new U.S.U.K. trade agreement. The Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq all saw gains. Speaking of sectors, it's tough to pick winners and losers with all these tariffs flying around. As of April 7, all sectors have been marked as 'Marketperform.' Consumer discretionary stocks usually do well when the economy is humming, but it's a mixed bag right now. In company news, ClevelandCliffs took a hit because they had to shut down some plants. Warner Bros. Discovery jumped up after their earnings report, even though their revenue is down from last year. Palantir Technologies had a weird day – they met expectations and raised forecasts, but the stock still tanked. DoorDash also stumbled after reporting weakerthanexpected revenue. Macrowise, keep an eye on GDP, interest rates, inflation, and unemployment. These things can really shake up the market. Also, global events can throw a wrench in the gears, so stay informed. Earnings reports are huge, as always. Good reports usually mean higher stock prices, and vice versa. Companies increasing their credit lines is generally good news for shareholders, so keep an eye out for that. Okay, so what should you do with all this info? First, diversify your portfolio. Don't put all your eggs in one basket, especially with all the uncertainty. Watch those trade negotiations like a hawk. They can make or break market sentiment. Pay attention to those macroeconomic indicators I mentioned earlier. Do your homework on companies before investing. And stay informed about what's happening around the world. Most importantly, manage your risk. Don't bet the farm on any one thing. Why did the stock market analyst bring a ladder to work? Because they heard the profits were way up high! This kind of reflects the ups and downs of the market, right? Like, we're always trying to reach for those higher profits, just like the U.S.U.K. trade agreement helped boost things up. Remember, this isn't financial advice. I'm just a friendly face giving you the rundown. Do your own research and talk to a pro before making any big moves. Until next time, happy trading!

Market Rollercoaster: Trade Winds and Tactical Plays

Fresh news and strategies for traders. SPY Trader episode #1150.
Hey everyone, it's your pal Penny Pincher here, ready to break down the market on 'Spy Trader'! It's 12 pm on Thursday, May 8th, 2025 (Pacific), and things are definitely moving and shaking.
Let's dive right into the headlines. We've got a bit of a mixed bag today. Overall, the US stock market index (US500) has decreased by 3.00% since the beginning of the year. However, stocks rose higher today following the announcement of a narrow tariff agreement between the U.S. and the U.K. The S&P 500 and the Nasdaq 100 both jumped over 1.5%, and the Dow added more than 600 points! So, a little bit of good news on the trade front for now. Also, AppLovin (APP) stock is surging due to strong earnings and the sale of its mobile gaming business.
But it's not all sunshine and roses. Remember those tariff policies we were worried about? Still causing some ripples, with the ones announced on April 2nd still contributing to market jitters. And the Fed? Well, they were expected to keep interest rates unchanged, but there was a possibility of a 0.25% cut. Investors are also keeping a close eye on those GDP numbers, inflation readings, and jobs reports.
So, what does all this mean? Well, the market's still feeling a bit like a rollercoaster. We're seeing defensive sectors like health care, consumer staples, and utilities holding their own, which tells me investors are playing it a bit safe. The energy sector might be getting attractive again as oil prices slide. Tech's showing some signs of recovery after a rough Q1, and consumer discretionary is looking a bit weak. Alphabet (GOOGL) is bouncing back a little after some worries about its Google search business.
Here's my take: we're in a tricky spot. Trade stuff is always a wild card, and the economy's expected to slow down a bit. Inflation might be creeping up too, so it's a good time to be smart about where your money's parked.
Now, for the fun part – my recommendations! Given that the market is trading at a reasonable discount to fair value, stay put, people. I'd say remain at market weight and maybe look at overweighting value and core stocks. Think about diversifying internationally, as international stocks may continue to outperform U.S. stocks. We need to prepare for some potential summer turbulence, so hedge where you can. Valuations have fallen enough for investors to begin to move into a small, tactical overweight position, keeping enough reserves to average down if the market falls further.
Also, and this is just me thinking outside the box, maybe consider some alternative investments, like artwork or collectibles. Keeps things interesting, right?
Mostly, just keep an eye on those trade negotiations and focus on the fundamentals – company earnings, economic growth, the whole shebang.
One last thing before I go. Why was the stock trader like a weather forecaster? Because he knew all about ups and downs, and nobody could ever be sure if they were heading for sunshine or a storm!
Alright folks, that's all for today's 'Spy Trader'. Stay smart, stay safe, and I'll catch you next time!

Navigating Market Uncertainty

Fresh news and strategies for traders. SPY Trader episode #1149.
Hey everyone, it's your pal Bubba here, and welcome back to Spy Trader! It's 6 pm on Wednesday, May 7th, 2025, Pacific Time, and let's dive right into what's moving the market today.
First off, we're seeing mixed signals across the board. After that early April dip caused by tariff announcements, things bounced back, but volatility is still the name of the game. Yesterday, May 6th, the S&P 500 took a hit, dropping 0.8%, and today is a mixed bag, with the Dow up 0.7%, the S&P 500 gaining 0.4%, and the Nasdaq rising 0.3%. Yeartodate, the S&P 500 is down 4.32%.
Now, let's talk sectors. Tech stocks, even the big ones, are feeling the pressure. Energy is looking undervalued with those sliding oil prices, even though oil saw a bit of a recovery yesterday. Communication Services, Consumer Cyclical, and Real Estate are also in the undervalued camp, while Consumer Defensive, especially names like Costco, Walmart, and Procter & Gamble, looks a bit pricey.
Macrowise, tariffs are still the big elephant in the room. Companies are walking on eggshells with their forecasts. The Fed's expected to hold steady on interest rates, even though President Trump is putting on the pressure to cut 'em. Preliminary GDP numbers show the economy shrank for the first time since 2022, mainly due to a surge in imports and weaker consumer spending. All eyes are on inflation, especially with those tariffs potentially pushing prices up. The overall rate of economic growth is projected to slow throughout 2025.
Companyspecific news? Disney's shares are soaring after strong results, and AMD also had a great earnings report. On the flip side, Alphabet is getting hammered due to AI search competition, and Apple is exploring AI options for Safari. Palantir took a 12% nosedive, and Uber stumbled even after beating earnings expectations.
Okay, drumroll for Bubba's trading recommendations! Given all this uncertainty, diversification is your best friend. Keep a close eye on those trade negotiations – they're market movers. Maybe beef up your defensive sectors like consumer staples, healthcare, and utilities. Tread carefully, folks! Longterm investors, sit tight, but keep some cash ready to pounce if the market dips again. Smallcap equities might be worth a look, and don't forget to explore international markets for better valuations.
Why did the stock market investor bring a ladder to work?
Because they heard prices were going up!
Remember, folks, this isn't financial advice, just Bubba's two cents. Chat with a pro before making any big moves. Stay safe, and I'll catch you on the next Spy Trader!

Midday Market Mixed Bag

Fresh news and strategies for traders. SPY Trader episode #1148.
Hey everyone, it's your pal Barry Bonds Trader, here with your midday Spy Trader podcast. It's 12 pm on Wednesday, May 7th, 2025, Pacific time, and let's dive into what's moving the markets today. So, picture this: The stock market's having a bit of an identity crisis. Some sectors are up, some are down, and overall it's a mixed bag out there. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq are taking a little dip, while the Dow is trying to climb higher. A lot of it boils down to everyone watching the trade talks like hawks, especially what's happening between the U.S. and China. All this uncertainty is causing some companies to get a little shy about their financial forecasts. Speaking of nervous, everyone's waiting to hear from the Federal Reserve, who are expected to hold rates steady for now. We're all ears to see what Chairman Powell has to say about inflation and those pesky tariffs. Now, let's break down the sectors. Utilities and energy stocks were shining yesterday, being among the few showing gains. Tech, however, is feeling a bit of a slump with some of the big names dragging down the broader indices. Consumer discretionary is having a rough year, down over 10% so far. Communication services aren't doing great either, down about 2%. In news, those U.S. and China trade talks are kicking off with officials meeting in Switzerland this weekend. Fingers crossed for some good news. Earnings season is still rolling, with most companies having reported. A lot of them are beating expectations, but here's the catch: future earnings estimates are getting lowered because of those tariffs. It's a bit of a Debbie Downer situation. On the economic front, the U.S. trade deficit hit a record high in March. Ouch. Preliminary numbers show the economy actually shrank in the first quarter, mostly because of more imports and less spending by us consumers. But hey, the job market is still looking pretty good, even if some of the past numbers got revised down a bit. All this has folks worrying about stagflation – that's slow growth with rising prices. No one wants that! The U.S. economy is expected to slow down this year, and inflation is likely to stay above the Fed's 2% target. Tariffs could make that even worse. Okay, let's talk companies. Disney (DIS) got a nice bump after reporting some stellar earnings and streaming subscriber numbers. Meanwhile, Ford (F) had decent earnings but then pulled their 2025 guidance, blaming tariffs. Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) initially jumped on strong earnings thanks to AI demand, but then cooled off a bit. And Marvell Technology (MRVL)? Ouch, their shares tanked after cutting their revenue forecast and postponing their investor day, all because of, you guessed it, economic uncertainty. Why did the stock market analyst bring a ladder to work? Because they heard the tech sector was going up, but also that it might be due for a correction – so they wanted to be ready to climb out or climb in depending on how the trade talks with China went. As the Federal Reserve held rates steady and earnings season provided some surprises, the market had a mixed day, much like trying to pick the right rung on that ladder. So, what's the takeaway? Be careful out there. Trade tensions are a big deal, and the Fed's next move is anyone's guess. While some companies are doing well, the overall outlook is a bit cloudy. My advice? Play it safe. Diversify your investments, keep an eye on those trade talks, and stick with companies that are strong and can weather the storm. Think about defensive sectors like utilities and consumer staples. That's it for today folks. Barry Bonds Trader, signing off!

Market Navigator

Fresh news and strategies for traders. SPY Trader episode #1147.
Good morning, Wall Street Wizards! It's 6 am on Wednesday, May 7th, 2025, and you're tuned into Spy Trader, your favorite podcast for navigating the wild world of finance. I'm your host, Penny Pincher, here to break down what's moving the markets today.
Alright, let's dive right into it. The US stock market is seeing some turbulence, folks. The S&P 500 is down 4.10% since the start of the year and frankly, things are a bit wobbly. Geopolitical tensions are a major factor. Operation Sindoor, launched by the Indian Armed Forces, is causing jitters about stability in the region. We're also keeping a close eye on any developments regarding USChina trade talks, which could provide a muchneeded boost. Plus, the Fed is expected to maintain interest rates, but any hints from Chair Powell about inflation or economic growth could send ripples through the market. The Fed policy announcement is today, May 7th, so keep your ears open!
On the economic front, there's talk of stagflation. GDP contracted at an annual rate of 0.3% in the first quarter of 2025. Concerns are rising about President Trump's tariffs and their potential impact on inflation. It feels like we're walking on eggshells out here!
Sectorwise, it's mostly red across the board. Banking, finance, oil & gas, and healthcare are all feeling the pinch. The auto sector is showing some resilience, and tech stocks have led the market recovery since early April, but overall, caution is the name of the game.
Some companies are already reporting the negative impact of tariffs and a few are even 'pausing' their financial forecasts for the year, citing the uncertain tariff situation. So, it's definitely impacting the real world.
Now, what should you do with all this information? Analysts are pointing to Jubilant Ingreva, Adani Total Gas, and Southern Petro as potential buys. Consider looking at value stocks, which might be trading at a discount, and maybe underweight those growth stocks for now, as they might still be overpriced. Stay diversified and don't put all your eggs in one volatile basket.
In short, be cautious, stay informed, and focus on the fundamentals. Don't let fear drive your decisions. Given the current situation, you might also want to consider rotating into sectors that are more resilient to economic downturns or that could benefit from geopolitical tensions. But remember, diversification is key.
Okay, here's a joke to lighten the mood: Why did the investor open a savings account at the bank instead of trading stocks?
Because he heard it was less volatile than geopolitical tensions!
That's all for today's Spy Trader. Remember, this isn't financial advice, so do your homework and talk to a qualified advisor before making any moves. Until next time, happy trading!

Market Dip: Trade Jitters & Earnings Buzz

Fresh news and strategies for traders. SPY Trader episode #1146.
Hey there, Spy Traders! It's your pal, Penny Pincher, here, broadcasting live at 6 pm on Tuesday, May 6th, 2025, Pacific time. Let's dive into today's market scoop. First off, the U.S. equity markets took a bit of a tumble today, ending a nice winning streak. The S&P 500 is down 0.8%, the Nasdaq 100 lost 0.9%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped a hefty 389 points. It looks like the S&P 500's nineday winning streak is over. Yeartodate, the US500 is down 3.98%. It's currently trading at an 8% discount to fair value, but that doesn't really account for the volatility we saw in early April due to all the trade chatter. Now, only two sectors managed to stay in the green today: utilities and energy. Energy is bouncing back because oil prices are up. Healthcare is struggling a bit, especially the biopharma companies. Tech and communication stocks had a good run recently, and so did materials and financials. But according to Schwab's data, their clients were selling off everything except energy in April, with the biggest selloffs in tech, consumer staples, and consumer discretionary. Okay, let's talk news. Everyone's waiting to see what happens with these trade deals. U.S. policymakers are hinting at stuff, but nothing concrete yet. And President Trump's flipflopping on trade isn't helping calm anyone's nerves. Speaking of trade, tariffs are still a big worry. Ford, for example, pulled its 2025 guidance because they're expecting tariffs to cost them $1.5 billion! Earnings season is still rolling along. About 78% of S&P 500 companies have reported, and around 76% of those beat expectations. S&P 500 earnings are looking like they'll grow over 12%. But, future earnings estimates are being cut because companies are bracing for higher costs thanks to those tariffs. On the economic front, the U.S. trade deficit hit a record high in March. Preliminary data shows that the U.S. economy shrank in the first quarter for the first time since 2022. Initial jobless claims also ticked up a bit. The Federal Reserve is expected to keep interest rates steady at its next meeting. GDP shrank by 0.3 percent in the first quarter. Inflation has cooled off a bit, but those higher tariffs are likely to cause it to heat up again. Unemployment is steady at 4.2%. Consumer spending is up, but only a little. All these changes in U.S. trade policy are shaking things up globally. As for company news, Microsoft and Meta crushed earnings expectations. We're waiting on Apple and Amazon to report. Clorox is down premarket because their earnings missed estimates, and they lowered their sales forecast. Palantir Technologies also dropped 12% after their results disappointed investors. Ford, despite solid sales and earnings in Q1, pulled its 2025 guidance due to those pesky tariffs. So, what should we do with all this info? Well, given the market's recent rebound and current valuations, it might be a good time to lock in some profits and move back to a marketweight stance. Wider earnings growth should lead to more balanced performance across all sectors, so it's a good time to diversify. And with all this uncertainty, think about defensive strategies. Energy and utilities are looking strong, so maybe focus there. Consumer defensive might also be worth a look, but maybe skip Costco and Walmart for now. Keep a close eye on those trade negotiations and policy changes, as they're having a big impact. And pay attention to GDP, inflation, and unemployment data, as those will drive the market and the Fed's decisions. The Federal Reserve might cut interest rates which could help the market later this year. Why did the stock analyst bring a ladder to work? Because they heard the market was going up! Just remember, I'm Penny Pincher, and I'm not a financial advisor. This is just my take on things. Always talk to a real financial professional before making any investment decisions. Happy trading, everyone!

Navigating Market Volatility

Fresh news and strategies for traders. SPY Trader episode #1145.
Hey there, folks! It's your pal, Penny Pincher, reporting live from the Spy Trader podcast. It's 12 pm on Tuesday, May 6th, 2025, Pacific time, and the market's feeling a bit like a rollercoaster dipped in uncertainty. Buckle up, because we're about to dive deep! First, the headlines: the U.S. stock market is showing mixed performance today. Stocks declined after a nineday winning streak ended yesterday. The S&P 500 is down about 0.5%, the Nasdaq's dipped 0.6%, and the Dow is also off by 0.5%. Seems like those Trump tariffs are still casting a shadow, with companies like Ford expecting a $1.5 billion hit and even canceling their fullyear financial forecasts because of them. Ouch! And speaking of earnings, Tyson shares are down 7% even though their earnings per share beat expectations. GoDaddy, on the other hand, is doing alright, advancing 3.4% after a shaky earnings release. DoorDash took a tumble, falling 7.5% after reporting weaker than expected revenue. And even those AI darlings aren't immune; Palantir's stock fell 14%, even though they met expectations. Now, let's talk sectors. Retail, utilities, and services are shining, while transportation, consumer discretionary, and healthcare are feeling the pinch. Energy's been a real drag due to those sliding oil prices, but hey, maybe there's an opportunity there! Consumer defensive is looking a little overvalued, especially with giants like Costco and Walmart skewing the numbers. All eyes are on the Federal Reserve as we await their decision on interest rates. The consensus? They'll probably hold steady. But you never know! Why did the stock trader bring a ladder to work? Because he heard the market was volatile, and he wanted to climb back up after the recent plunge caused by tariff announcements! He also wanted to see if there were any overvalued sectors up high, maybe even reach some AI stocks that were losing steam. With all the uncertainty, he figured a ladder might be useful for reaching those value stocks everyone was talking about or just getting a better view of the economic slowdown happening down below. Plus, with inflation rising and the Fed watching, it felt like a good idea to always have an escape route handy. Alright, let's break this down. With the market bouncing back a bit, it might be time to consider a marketweight stance. I'd suggest looking at value and core stocks, and keep an eye on that energy sector; it might be ripe for the picking. Of course, keep a close watch on the tariff situation – that's a major moodsetter for the market. And remember that economic slowdown everyone's talking about? Factor that into your thinking. Focus on longterm investments and smart stock choices, not trying to time the market. Now for the risks. Inflation could rear its ugly head again, causing the Fed to raise rates and spoil the party. Tariffs are a constant worry, impacting earnings and growth. And, of course, a bigger economic slowdown could send the market tumbling further. Also keep your eyes peeled for any major geopolitical events that could spook investors. So, there you have it! Stay informed, stay cautious, and don't let the market's ups and downs get you down. This is Penny Pincher, signing off! Happy trading!

Market Buzz: Rates, Trade, and Buffett’s Exit

Fresh news and strategies for traders. SPY Trader episode #1144.
Hey everyone, it's your pal Finny McFinance here, and welcome to Spy Trader! It's 6 am on Tuesday, May 6th, 2025, Pacific time, and let's dive into what's moving the markets today.
So, what's the buzz? Well, after a fantastic run, Wall Street hit a bit of a snag, breaking a nineday winning streak. The US500 is down 4.56% since the start of the year, and futures are looking a little soft this morning. First quarter data showed some solid momentum, but now everyone's scratching their heads about the consumer and what's going on with trade. Why did the stock trader bring a ladder to work?
Because they heard the market was going up a few levels, but then again, sometimes it just takes you down a notch!
Sectorwise, it's a mixed bag out there. Legal Cannabis, Apparel, Footwear & Accessories, and Airline industries are strutting their stuff, while Hardware, Hotels & Resorts, and Commercial industries are feeling the squeeze.
Now, let's talk news. All eyes are on the Federal Reserve's meeting. No one expects them to budge on rates, so everyone is hanging on every word from Jerome Powell. Trade is still a big question mark, especially with President Trump pushing for those tariff hikes, including a potential 100% levy on foreign films! But, there's also chatter about potential trade deals being finalized soon.
Companywise, Warren Buffett announced he's planning to retire at the end of the year, which is huge news. Palantir Technologies took a 9% hit after hours, even though they beat revenue expectations. Ford and Palantir have earnings coming up. And Polestar is recalling about 27,800 of its Polestar 2 electric vehicles in the U.S.
On the bigger picture, the economy slowed down in the first quarter, with GDP decreasing at an annual rate of 0.3%. Forecasts are looking at about 1.1% growth for 2025 and 2026. Inflation is still a concern, especially if these tariffs kick in. Consumer sentiment isn't great, and while the unemployment rate is at 4.2%, there are concerns it could rise. Oh, and that federal budget deficit? It's expected to climb a bit, from 6.2% to 6.8% of GDP.
Looking ahead, we've got a week packed with economic data, earnings reports, and that FOMC decision.
So, what's Finny's take? Buckle up and be careful out there! With all the ups and downs, trade drama, and mixed signals, I'm recommending a cautious approach. Diversify your portfolio, stick to companies with solid fundamentals, and keep a close eye on trade developments and the Fed. If you're feeling nervous, maybe shift some investments into defensive sectors like healthcare and consumer staples. And as always, stay informed!
That's all for today, folks! Stay safe, trade smart, and I'll catch you on the next Spy Trader!