S&P 500 slightly higher as investors await economic data, focus on trade

From Yahoo Finance: 2025-05-14 05:14:00

The S&P 500 closed slightly higher as investors awaited economic data following a strong start to the week spurred by soft inflation data and a U.S.-China tariff truce. U.S. stocks rallied Monday and Tuesday after the tariff dispute pause. The Dow fell 0.21%, while the S&P gained 0.10% and the Nasdaq rose 0.72%.

President Trump secured $600 billion in commitments from Saudi Arabia while touring the Gulf states. U.S. tech companies rallied after the administration announced artificial intelligence deals in the Middle East. Uncertainty remains about trade policies despite recent positive announcements.

Federal Reserve Vice Chair Philip Jefferson noted progress towards the 2% inflation goal, but uncertainty remains. Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s upcoming speech will be closely watched for monetary policy clues. The Dow’s biggest losers were Merck & Co and Amgen, while the S&P added to its year-to-date gain.

Eight of the S&P 500’s 11 major sectors closed lower, with healthcare and materials sectors hit the hardest. Communications services and technology were the biggest gainers. Investors are waiting for Thursday’s Producer Price Index and retail sales readings for insights into the impact of the tariff situation on the real economy.

Read more: S&P 500 barely gains, investors focus on trade, wait for data