Today’s Stock Market: Live Updates
On the trading floor of the New York Stock Exchange back on February 13, 2025, it was a hectic scene as traders were busy navigating the ups and downs of the market. This past Friday, stock futures showed a little improvement as investors ended a challenging week and month while waiting for important inflation data to be released.
Specifically, the Dow Jones Industrial Average futures rose by 177 points, which is an increase of 0.4%. The futures for the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq-100 had smaller gains of 0.2% and 0.1%, respectively. This news came as investors prepared for the final trading day of the week and the end of the month.
One significant report expected to come out at 8:30 a.m. ET was the personal consumption expenditures price index. This is a key inflation measure that the Federal Reserve closely monitors. Economists, as surveyed by Dow Jones, predicted that consumer prices would rise by 0.3% from December, which translates into an annual increase of 2.5%. When you strip out the prices of food and energy, the core PCE is also anticipated to go up by 0.3% each month and have a year-over-year increase of 2.6%.
The stock market is normally sensitive to such economic indicators, especially now as it prepares to close a tough month. The tech-centered Nasdaq Composite has particularly faced difficulties, dropping around 5.5% throughout February, largely due to a recent 5% decline this week. In comparison, the S&P 500 index has slipped by 2.5% for the week, while the Dow Jones saw smaller setbacks of just 0.4%. Across the entire month, both indexes are down nearly 3%.
Traders are feeling uneasy due to a combination of President Donald Trump’s announced tariffs and troubling recent economic data. For instance, Nvidia, a leading tech company, saw its stock value fall by 8.5% in one trading session after releasing disappointing earnings, which added to the overall negative mood in the market.
Michael Landsberg, the chief investment officer at Landsberg Bennett Private Wealth Management, provided some insight into the current situation. He noted that February is historically known to be a volatile time for stocks, and this year has been no different. Investors are eagerly seeking clearer information regarding tariffs, high inflation levels, and the health of the consumer market.
Overall, while there were slight positive movements in stock futures, the broader picture indicates a month filled with uncertainty and challenges for investors. The upcoming inflation data will be closely watched as it could significantly influence market reactions and investor sentiment going forward. As they navigate this complex environment, traders remain vigilant, looking for signs that can guide their investment decisions.
