Wall Street fought for a fifth consecutive day of gains on Friday, with major indexes edging slightly higher by midday in New York as investors continued to digest the week's significant trade breakthroughs and recalibrate their economic expectations.
U.S. stocks traded mixed Thursday, with major indices posting timid midday gains as investors digested fresh economic data revealing signs of consumer strain and disinflationary pressure stemming from April's tariff escalation.
Wall Street's rally stretched into a second session Tuesday, fueled by improving investor sentiment after an early-week breakthrough in U.S.-China trade talks, easing inflation data and fresh geopolitical headlines involving major investment pledges from the Middle East.
Wall Street traded slightly lower by midday Friday, as investors adopted a wait-and-see stance ahead of a potential trade breakthrough, with high-stakes negotiations between U.S. officials—led by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent—and Chinese authorities set to unfold over the weekend.
U.S. stocks rallied Thursday after the Trump administration signed its first major trade agreement with the United Kingdom, igniting optimism about further global deals — especially with China — and lifting investor appetite for riskier assets.
U.S. stocks traded mixed at midday Wednesday, as investors remained cautious ahead of the Federal Reserve’s upcoming policy decision, with Chair Jerome Powell set to speak at 2:30 p.m. ET.
Utility stocks hit new highs amid trade policy uncertainty, with Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund up 6.3% YTD. Constellation Energy Corp. jumps 11.87%.
Wall Street edged lower by midday Tuesday as uncertainty surrounding trade policies lingered, with investors adopting a cautious approach ahead of Wednesday’s Federal Reserve meeting.
Wall Street kicked off the week with a cautious tone, as major stock indices hovered near the flatline by midday in New York. Investors digested fresh signs of inflationary pressure in the services sector, raising doubts about near-term rate cuts and weighing on risk appetite.
