admin U.S. stock markets started the week on a stable footing, hovering near record highs on Monday as investors positioned themselves for a pivotal series of economic developments. The S&P 500 edged up 0.1%, continuing its historic streak after hitting record closes every day last week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 34 points, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite advanced 0.3%, according to the Associated Press.
The calm start comes ahead of a week expected to bring heightened volatility. Investors are closely watching earnings results from major technology firms, a key Federal Reserve meeting on interest rate policy, and global trade negotiations. President Donald Trump has renewed calls for rate cuts, citing benefits for debt servicing, although Fed Chair Jerome Powell has urged patience, noting the need for more economic data before any action is taken.
Global Trade and Corporate Movers Shape Market Sentiment
Trade developments also played a role in shaping market mood. The U.S. and European Union announced a framework for a new trade agreement during President Trump’s meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The preliminary deal sets a 15% tariff on most EU exports to the U.S., significantly higher than the previous average of 1%, but avoids steeper tariffs that had been anticipated. Negotiations remain ongoing.
In corporate news, Intel shares fell 8.5% after reporting a quarterly loss and confirming job cuts as part of a restructuring plan. Meanwhile, Deckers Brands jumped 11.3% following robust earnings and a nearly 50% rise in international revenue, driven by strong global demand for its Ugg and Hoka products.
Global markets were mixed. European indices ended higher, with Germany’s DAX gaining 0.3%, France’s CAC 40 up 0.6%, and the UK’s FTSE 100 inching up 0.1%. In Asia, Japan’s Nikkei fell 1.1% amid uncertainty around Tokyo’s trade ties with Washington, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng rose 0.7% and China’s Shanghai Composite added 0.1%.
Elsewhere, U.S. crude rose to $65.78 per barrel and Brent to $68.28. The dollar strengthened to 148.41 yen, and the euro dipped to $1.1658, reflecting broader market caution ahead of key policy and earnings announcements.
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