S&P 500 ends flat but sees biggest monthly gain since November 2023

From Yahoo Finance: 2025-05-30 06:19:00

The S&P 500 remained steady after Trump’s comments on China’s trade agreement, but marked its largest monthly gain since November 2023. The Nasdaq also saw its biggest monthly increase since November 2023 amidst tariff tensions. Both indexes rebounded due to positive earnings and inflation data in May.

Trump’s shifting trade policies kept investors on edge, causing a choppy month for stocks. The Dow Jones rose slightly while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq fell, but all indexes opened lower after Trump’s accusations against China. The market recovered slightly as Trump expressed hope for resolving trade issues with China.

Investors are uncertain how to react to the constant tariff news, causing market volatility. Trump’s tariffs have increased significantly since taking office, impacting trade. U.S. import tariffs stand at around 15%, compared to 2-3% before Trump.

U.S. consumer spending rose 2.1% in April, following a 2.3% increase in March. The Federal Reserve monitors these figures for inflation targets. Traders anticipate a rate cut in September. Ulta Beauty shares rose 11.8% after strong quarterly results and an increased profit forecast.

Market data showed more declining issues than advancing on both the NYSE and Nasdaq, with volume reaching 19.34 billion shares. The market remains uncertain amidst trade tensions and economic data, influencing investor sentiment.



Read more at Yahoo Finance: S&P 500 ends near flat but posts biggest monthly pct gain since November 2023