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Dow Jones Industrial Average

Trump’s Chip Tariffs Boost Stock Futures

by Priya Shah – Business Editor August 7, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

Stocks Edge Higher Amidst Trump Trade Threat & Declining Volatility

new York, August 3, 2023 – U.S. stock markets posted modest gains Wednesday, continuing a positive trend despite a recent period of volatility and a newly issued warning from former President Donald Trump regarding potential trade repercussions for nations dealing with Russia. The S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Dow Jones Industrial Average all advanced, though gains remained tempered by ongoing economic data releases and upcoming earnings reports.

The S&P 500 closed up 0.4% on Wednesday, bringing its week-to-date gains to 1.7%.The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite saw a stronger increase, rising 0.5% for the day and 2.5% for the week. The 30-stock Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 0.3% on Wednesday, with a weekly gain of 1.4%. This follows a period of underperformance; prior to Wednesday, the S&P 500 had experienced losses in five of the previous six trading sessions, while the Dow had seen six negative days in the last seven.

Trump Issues Trade Warning Linked to Ukraine Conflict

The market’s movement comes as former President Trump threatened to impose trade penalties on countries that continue to trade with Russia unless a peace agreement with Ukraine is reached by September.The specific nature of these potential penalties remains unclear, but the announcement injected a new element of geopolitical risk into the market. This echoes past trade strategies employed during Trump’s presidency, notably the imposition of tariffs on goods from China beginning in 2018, which significantly impacted global markets.

volatility Cools After Tariff Concerns

Analysts note a significant decrease in market volatility in recent months.Kristian Kerr,head of macro strategy at LPL Financial,highlighted that volatility across major asset classes has fallen dramatically since early April,coinciding with a reduction in tariff-related anxieties. Specifically, one-month realized volatility in key indexes has dropped to levels not seen as June 2022. The CBOE volatility Index (VIX), often referred to as the “fear gauge,” currently sits around 13, well below its historical average.Economic Data & Earnings on Tap

Looking ahead, traders are focusing on key economic indicators scheduled for release on Thursday. These include the weekly jobless claims report,which provides insight into the health of the labor market,and data on unit labor costs and productivity for the second quarter. The Bureau of Labor Statistics will release the productivity and costs data at 8:30 AM ET.

Several major corporations are also reporting earnings this week. Before the market open,investors will be scrutinizing reports from pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly (LLY),currently trading at approximately $565 per share,and media conglomerate Warner bros. Discovery (WBD), trading around $80 per share. After the market closes, Block (XYZ), formerly known as Square, trading around $65 per share, and Pinterest (PINS), currently valued at approximately $27 per share, will release their quarterly results. These earnings reports are expected to provide further clues about the overall health of the U.S. economy and corporate performance.Reporting contributed by CNBC’s Kevin Breuninger.

Additional Context & Details Not in Original Article:

VIX Level: The current VIX level (around 13) provides a concrete measure of market volatility.
Stock Prices: providing approximate current stock prices for the companies reporting earnings adds immediate value for investors.
BLS Release Time: Specifying the release time for the productivity and costs data (8:30 AM ET) is helpful for traders.
Historical tariff Context: Mentioning the 2018 tariffs on Chinese goods provides historical context for Trump’s trade threats.
definition of VIX: explaining the VIX as the “fear gauge” makes the article more accessible to a wider audience.
Geopolitical Risk: Explicitly labeling Trump’s threat as introducing “geopolitical risk” frames the situation for investors.

August 7, 2025 0 comments

Business

India-U.S., chip tariffs, Toyota earnings

by Priya Shah – Business Editor August 7, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

Global Markets Brace for Chip Tariff Shockwaves

Asia-Pacific Faces Mixed Open Amid Tariff Uncertainty

Global markets navigated a mixed opening session Thursday, with investors keenly observing the semiconductor sector following a bold tariff announcement from U.S. President Donald Trump. Early trading in Asia saw Japan’s Nikkei 225 index hold steady, while the broader Topix gained a modest 0.19%. South Korea’s Kospi dipped slightly, remaining unchanged.

Tech Stocks Under Scrutiny

The central focus for traders is the potential impact of U.S. President **Donald Trump**’s declaration to impose a staggering 100% duty on imported semiconductors and chips. This measure, however, includes an exemption for companies actively establishing or committing to manufacturing operations within the United States. This policy shift has ignited significant speculation across the tech landscape.

U.S. Futures Show Slight Gains

U.S. equity futures experienced a marginal uptick in early Asian trading hours, signaling a cautious start to the day’s session in North America. This modest movement suggests investors are weighing the implications of the proposed tariffs against other market factors.

Market Openings Signal Caution

In anticipation of the trading day, futures for Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index pointed to a softer opening. Similarly, Australian markets were poised for a weaker start, with the S&P/ASX 200 benchmark futures trading below their previous close. Japan’s Nikkei 225 futures also indicated a lower opening compared to its preceding session’s closing value.

Trump’s Tariff Ultimatum

President **Donald Trump** revealed late Wednesday his intention to implement a significant tariff, stating, “We’re going to be putting a very large tariff on chips and semiconductors.” He further elaborated on the exceptions, noting, “But the good news for companies like Apple is if you’re building in the United States or have committed to build, without question, committed to build in the United States, there will be no charge.” Following this announcement, Apple shares saw a notable surge of 3% in after-hours trading, building on a substantial 5% gain during regular market hours.

The broad S&P 500 index concluded Wednesday’s trading session higher, climbing 0.73% to close at 6,345.06. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite demonstrated stronger performance, jumping 1.21% to finish at 21,169.42. The Dow Jones Industrial Average also registered gains, adding 81.38 points, or 0.18%, to end the day at 44,193.12.

Apple shares experienced a significant upswing in recent trading.

August 7, 2025 0 comments

Business

Stock market today: Live updates

by Priya Shah – Business Editor August 6, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

Markets Eye Gains as Earnings Season Delivers Mixed Signals

Futures Point Upward After Previous Session’s Losses

Wall Street investors are anticipating a brighter start to trading Wednesday, with stock futures indicating positive movement. This follows a challenging session that saw major indices end in the red, as market participants digest a new wave of corporate financial reports.

Corporate Giants Show Divergent Fortunes

Futures contracts for the S&P 500 showed a modest gain of 0.1%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average futures climbed 118 points, a 0.3% increase. The Nasdaq 100 futures also nudged higher by approximately 0.1%.

Among the early standout performers, McDonald’s shares surged 3%. The fast-food giant’s second-quarter earnings surpassed analyst expectations on both revenue and profit, further bolstered by same-store sales growth that represented the chain’s strongest performance in nearly two years.

Arista Networks also experienced a significant boost, with its stock rallying 11% following the release of a report that exceeded projections.

Conversely, Snap’s stock plummeted 18% after its quarterly revenue fell slightly short of anticipated figures. Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) also saw its shares drop around 6% after its adjusted earnings per share missed analyst consensus.

Previous Day Recap: Tech Stocks Dragged Down Indices

These pre-market movements come after a difficult trading day Tuesday. The S&P 500 concluded its session lower, marking its fifth down day in the past six. Similarly, the Dow Jones Industrial Average recorded its sixth consecutive negative session.

Technology stocks were particularly weak, contributing to a nearly 0.7% decline in the Nasdaq Composite. However, smaller capitalization stocks managed to outperform, with the Russell 2000 index posting a 0.6% gain.

“We just need some digestion,” said Keith Lerner, co-chief investment officer at Truist Wealth. “Markets don’t move in a straight line. … But, overall, I still think the underlying trend is positive.”

Analysts suggest the market is in a period of adjustment. For instance, the S&P 500 has seen a notable increase in volatility, with the VIX index, a key measure of expected volatility, averaging 17.5 in the past month, compared to an average of 13.2 in the preceding month, according to Cboe Global Markets data (Cboe 2025).

Traders at work on the New York Stock Exchange floor during afternoon trading on August 1, 2025.

August 6, 2025 0 comments

Business

Stock market today: Live updates

by Priya Shah – Business Editor August 5, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

Markets Waver as Tariffs Loom, Economic Data Dims Outlook

S&P 500 Retreats Amid Stagflation Fears and Trade Tensions

Equities faced downward pressure Tuesday as investors grappled with discouraging economic indicators and renewed threats of tariffs, heightening anxieties about the health of the U.S. economy.

Economic Headwinds Bite

The S&P 500 index slipped 0.4%, while the Nasdaq Composite saw a 0.5% decline. The Dow Jones Industrial Average remained relatively unchanged. This pullback follows a volatile week, which saw the Dow experience a significant drop on Friday after a weaker-than-anticipated jobs report suggested a cooling labor market. The index had, however, recouped those losses with a substantial surge on Monday.

Adding to market concerns, the ISM Services index reported flatlining activity in July. This development amplified worries of stagflation—a scenario characterized by stagnant economic growth alongside high inflation and unemployment. As services constitute roughly 70% of the U.S. economy, a deceleration in this sector signals potential future challenges.

S&P 500, 1-day

Tariff Threats Re-emerge

Market sentiment was further dampened by comments from President Donald Trump to CNBC, indicating impending tariffs on semiconductor chips and pharmaceuticals. “We’re going to be announcing on semiconductors and chips, which is a separate category, because we want them made in the United States,” Trump stated, promising a new plan “within the next week or so.” This signals a potential escalation in trade policy.

Company-Specific Moves

Defense technology firm Palantir emerged as a standout performer, with its shares climbing 7% after announcing its revenue had surpassed $1 billion for the first time. In contrast, industrial giant Caterpillar experienced an earnings miss, leading to an initial dip in its stock, though it later traded marginally higher. Eaton’s shares fell 6% following what was described as disappointing financial guidance.

“Today we’re seeing the market pull back a little bit, [but] equities have been on a nice run. We’re probably due for a period of consolidation, some backing and filling, so to speak. Clearly, valuations are elevated. This is not a cheap market.”

—Terry Sandven, Chief Equity Strategist at U.S. Bank Asset Management

Despite current market volatility, Terry Sandven of U.S. Bank Asset Management noted that favorable conditions persist. He highlighted benign inflation, the prospect of lower interest rates, and rising corporate earnings as supportive factors for a “risk-on bias.”

The S&P 500 currently trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of approximately 20.5, which is above its 5-year historical average of around 18.2, suggesting elevated valuations in the broader market (FactSet, August 2025).

Traders operate on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange during trading on August 5, 2025, in New York City.

August 5, 2025 0 comments

Business

Stocks Bounce Back Amid AI Spending Surge and BLS Controversy

by Priya Shah – Business Editor August 4, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

Key Takeaways from the CNBC Investing Club Update with Jim Cramer:

1. Massive AI Infrastructure Investment:

hyperscalers are Doubling Down: Microsoft (MSFT),Meta (META),Amazon (AMZN),and Google (GOOGL) are significantly increasing capital expenditure (capex) on AI infrastructure.Morgan Stanley analysts predict even higher commitments in 2026.
Demand Outstrips Supply: Cloud providers are still reporting that demand for computing power for AI is exceeding supply.
Confidence in ROI: Management teams are increasingly confident they can generate a return on these massive investments and are willing to sustain high spending levels. Positive for Generative AI Trade: This signals serious commitment to AI and bodes well for companies involved in the AI ecosystem.

2. Company Specifics:

Apple (AAPL): Needs AI desperately. Tim Cook announced “meaningful growth” in AI investment, but Apple has historically spent less on capex than competitors.A accomplished AI rollout is crucial for device sales and its services unit. Cramer’s team is trying to understand Apple’s long-term AI strategy.
Microsoft,Amazon,Meta: Cramer is impressed with their AI plans and notes the market wants to see high spending,irrespective of whether it seems excessive.
Industrial Stocks Benefit: Companies like Eaton,GE Vernova,and Dover will benefit from the data center construction and electricity infrastructure needed to support AI. GE Vernova’s gas turbines are notably in demand.

3. Earnings Watchlist (Monday/Tuesday):

Monday After-Close: Coterra Energy, Palantir, Hims & Hers, Axon Enterprise, MercadoLibre, Vertex Pharmaceuticals. Cramer’s team will wait for Coterra’s conference call before analysis,focusing on their permian Basin well issues. Tuesday Morning: DuPont, eaton, Caterpillar, Apollo Global Management, Marriott International.
Economic Data: ISM Services PMI on Tuesday at 10 am ET.

4.Vital Reminders about the Investing Club:

Trade Alerts: Subscribers receive alerts before Jim Cramer makes a trade.
Waiting Periods: 45-minute wait after alert before execution; 72-hour wait after CNBC TV mention.
* Disclaimer: No fiduciary duty or guaranteed outcomes.In essence, the update paints a picture of a rapidly escalating investment cycle in AI infrastructure, driven by strong demand and increasing confidence in the technology’s potential. It highlights specific companies poised to benefit, and outlines a busy earnings week for the CNBC Investing Club.

August 4, 2025 0 comments

Business

Stock market today live updates

by Priya Shah – Business Editor August 4, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

Markets Rally as Investors Shake Off Tariffs and Jobs Data

Wall Street Recovers Losses Amidst Cautious Optimism

Stocks surged on Monday, clawing back significant ground lost in the prior session. Investor sentiment improved as markets digested economic concerns and a fresh wave of tariffs implemented by the Trump administration.

A Day of Rebound

The Dow Jones Industrial Average saw a substantial gain of 479 points, marking a 1.1% increase. The S&P 500 climbed 1.3%, while the Nasdaq Composite advanced 1.7%. This upward movement follows a sharp downturn on Friday.

“Today is sort of a bounce-back day. Stocks tend to pop after a drop, so that’s what’s happening.”

—Sam Stovall, Chief Investment Strategist at CFRA Research

Sam Stovall, chief investment strategist at CFRA Research, characterized the day as a “bounce-back.” He cautioned, however, that the market might pause to absorb recent gains, with future movements dependent on tomorrow’s developments.

Economic Headwinds and Trade Tensions

Friday’s sell-off was triggered by a weaker-than-expected jobs report. The report included significant revisions to May and June employment figures. Following the data release, President Donald Trump announced he would name a new Bureau of Labor Statistics commissioner in the coming days.

Adding to market volatility, President Trump signed an executive order last week that updated reciprocal tariffs on numerous U.S. trading partners. These revised duties range from 10% to 41%.

Looking ahead, investors are keenly watching trade developments between the U.S. and China. Senior officials from both nations met last week in Stockholm. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent expressed optimism on CNBC, stating, “we have the makings of a deal.”

This week also brings key earnings reports. Palantir is scheduled to release its results after the market closes Monday, with AMD set to report Tuesday.

August’s Historical Volatility

The market enters August, a historically challenging month for equities. Data indicates August is the worst month for the Dow Jones Industrial Average since 1988 and the second worst for both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite, according to the Stock Trader’s Almanac.

Traders on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) during morning trading on August 4, 2025, in New York City.

The market’s resilience today comes amidst broader concerns about inflation, with the U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) showing a 3.0% year-over-year increase in June, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

August 4, 2025 0 comments

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