U.S. stocks edged lower as investors navigated a mix of rising oil prices, corporate earnings signals, and shifting expectations around Federal Reserve policy. The Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq all turned down after early gains, reflecting a market grappling with geopolitical tensions and inflation concerns. Indexes Pull Back All three major indexes slipped roughly between 0.3% and 0.6%, giving back some of the previous session’s momentum. The downturn followed renewed volatility in energy markets and cautious sentiment around consumer spending. Oil Prices Add Fresh Pressure Crude prices extended their sharp rally, driven by heightened worries over a potential U.S.–Iran conflict. Brent crude climbed above $71 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate hovered near $66 — its biggest daily jump since October. Rising energy costs revived inflation concerns and weighed on equities. Walmart Earnings in Focus Walmart posted stronger‑than‑expected results, but its cautious pro...
US Dollar Suffers Largest Weekly Drop Since November 2023 Amid Tariff Uncertainty
The US dollar experienced its largest weekly decline since November 2023, driven by growing concerns over tariff policies. The currency dropped as much as 0.8% against a basket of currencies on Friday, before closing the week down 1.8%. This volatility was sparked by President Donald Trump's recent comments suggesting a softer stance on tariffs against China.
During an interview with Fox News, Trump mentioned that his conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping was friendly and expressed optimism about reaching a trade deal. This uncertainty around trade policy has kept equity markets on edge, with the S&P 500 index down 0.3%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average losing 0.3%, and the Nasdaq Composite shedding 0.5%.
Analysts warn that the dollar could rise again if US tariff and interest rate policies shift. However, for now, the market remains cautious as it navigates through the ongoing trade policy uncertainties.
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