Dow Jones Rises as S&P 500 and Nasdaq Slip—US Stock Market Struggles for Direction

Eight of the 11 S&P 500 sectors advanced, led by communication services, which gained 1.2%. Growth stocks, which bore the brunt of recent selling, saw a rebound, with Meta climbing 4%, Nvidia up 1.9%, and Amazon rising 1.2%.

Darden Restaurants surged 6% after forecasting stronger-than-expected quarterly sales, signaling resilience despite tariff-related uncertainties. Conversely, Accenture tumbled 6.2% after citing delays in government contracts due to reduced federal spending.

What Economic Data Is Shaping Market Sentiment?

The latest labor market data showed jobless claims largely in line with expectations, reinforcing the view of a stable employment environment. However, the Philadelphia Fed’s manufacturing index rebounded more than anticipated, suggesting persistent price pressures. This data adds complexity to the Fed’s decision-making process, as inflation risks could limit the scope of rate cuts.

What’s the Market’s Next Move?

The S&P 500’s struggle to sustain its recovery signals ongoing uncertainty. While traders welcome the Fed’s dovish stance, concerns over inflation, trade policy, and global economic stability continue to weigh on sentiment. Investors will closely monitor upcoming inflation reports and corporate earnings for further clarity on the market’s direction, with volatility likely to persist as economic data unfolds.

More Information in our Economic Calendar.