From Yahoo Finance.: 2025-06-14 08:00:00

The S&P 500 Index has been hovering near an all-time high, but concerns over global uncertainty kept buying in check. Israel and Iran exchanged missiles, spiking oil prices by 14% and causing the S&P 500 to drop 1.1%. Despite this, the index remains less than 3% away from a record.

Stock trading has been unusual, with minimal movement. Soft CPI and PPI readings indicated controlled inflation, yet the S&P 500 barely moved. Worries about trade wars and escalating conflicts are causing skepticism on Wall Street, with investors cautious about buying at current prices.

Big money managers are selling stocks, leading to a ‘sell the news’ phase. The lack of clarity from Washington and historical underweighting of equities by large investors add to the cautious sentiment in the market. Even softer trade rhetoric from Trump is failing to boost the market.

Investors are seeking safety, rotating to traditional haven sectors like real estate, energy, and pharmaceuticals. The search for safety is understandable, given the current market conditions and risks. The S&P 500’s fall from its all-time high in February came in stages, with underlying risks still present.

The market is facing headwinds from tariffs and slowing labor force growth, causing a more gradual increase in stock prices. Despite recent positive announcements, investors remain cautious due to ongoing uncertainties. The market is waiting for more concrete developments to drive significant movement.

Read more: Fear of Uncertainty Held S&P 500 Back From Record. Now It’s Real