Tech stocks drive US indices higher
Monday’s session closed higher, led by tech stocks after the U.S. announced temporary tariff exemptions for electronics. The Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq gained 0.78%, 0.79%, and 0.64% respectively.
U.S. stock futures edged lower Tuesday following the S&P 500’s consecutive gains, as markets await Q1 earnings. Dow Jones Industrial Average futures, S&P 500 futures, and Nasdaq 100 futures all dipped slightly, down 0.08%, 0.11%, and 0.17%.
Asian markets climbed Tuesday following Wall Street’s tech-driven gains
Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 1.08%, South Korea’s Kospi gained 0.93%, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng added 0.16%, while China’s CSI 300 remained flat. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 increased 0.41%.
India’s Nifty 50 and BSE Sensex jumped 2.10% and 2.26% respectively. The country’s March CPI is expected at 3.60%, with WPI forecast at 2.5%.
Eyes on Employment Numbers
A new survey in the US showed increased consumer concerns over inflation, unemployment, and stock market performance amid March’s trade tensions.
The survey revealed expectations of 3.6% inflation and 44% unemployment rate increases for next year – both significant rises. Stock market optimism fell to 33.8%, while gold price expectations rose to 5.2%.
The survey, conducted before recent tariff announcements, aligns with other indicators like the University of Michigan consumer sentiment survey showing elevated concerns.