From Nasdaq: 2025-05-01 18:32:00

Stock indexes closed higher on Thursday, with the S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrials, and Nasdaq 100 all posting gains. Positive earnings from Microsoft and Meta Platforms boosted the market. US manufacturing activity also showed resilience. Market sentiment improved with news of US-China talks. Unemployment claims rose, and the ISM manufacturing index fell slightly. Construction spending unexpectedly declined.

Focus remains on US tariffs and trade negotiations. Friday brings nonfarm payrolls data. Expectations for a rate cut after the FOMC meeting are at 7%. Q1 earnings reporting season continues with strong results so far. Overseas markets settled higher. Interest rates rose, with T-notes falling after stock gains and manufacturing data. European bond yields increased, and swaps indicate a rate cut by the ECB.

Stock movers included Microsoft, Meta Platforms, Carrier Global, Quanta Services, and others posting strong results. Losers included Beckton Dickinson, Qualcomm, and Eli Lilly, with revised forecasts impacting their stock prices. Earnings reports for May 2nd include AES Corp, Apollo Global, Chevron, Exxon Mobil, and others.

Overall, the markets are responding positively to earnings results and economic data, with a focus on trade negotiations and upcoming economic reports. Market sentiment remains optimistic despite some challenges in the labor market and manufacturing sector.



Read more at Nasdaq: Stocks Rally as Strong Tech Earnings Boost Market Sentiment