Stock market today: Live updates

U.S. equity futures appeared largely unchanged as the market opened on Sunday evening, with the S&P 500 close to a record high. As we head into a week packed with significant potential market-moving events, traders are closely monitoring key indicators and developments.

The futures market showed slight dips, with S&P 500 futures decreasing by about 0.1%. Meanwhile, the Nasdaq 100 futures fell by 0.2%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average futures ticked down by 45 points, also representing a 0.1% decline. This minor retreat follows a strong performance in the previous two weeks, where all three major indexes registered their second consecutive week of gains. The S&P 500 recently closed above the critical 6,000 mark for the first time since February 21, nudging within 3% of its all-time high closing value.

Market strategist Chris Verrone from Strategas expressed optimism during an appearance on CNBC’s “Closing Bell.” According to Verrone, the prevailing sentiment among traders suggests a growing confidence in the U.S. economy despite ongoing concerns about tariffs. “The message of the market is still one that is largely pretty constructive here,” he noted, highlighting the S&P 500 reaching a three-month high. He further emphasized the robust performance of cyclical stocks, stating, “Cyclicals are making new highs versus defensives, indicating that the economy’s largely ok here.”

As we look ahead, the week promises to be eventful, with several important developments set to either bolster or challenge market confidence. A key point of focus will be trade discussions between U.S. and Chinese officials, scheduled for Monday in London. President Donald Trump confirmed these talks, which could set the tone for future negotiations.

Additionally, a significant event in the tech sector, Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference, is set to take place on Monday. The tech giant’s stock has seen a decline of over 18% this year, making the conference a pivotal moment for investors looking for signs of recovery.

Later in the week, inflation data will come under scrutiny. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) will be released on Wednesday, followed by the Producer Price Index (PPI) on Friday. Both reports are anticipated to provide critical insights into how current tariff rates are affecting the economy. Traders will closely watch these reports, seeking clues about inflation trends and their potential impact on Federal Reserve policy.

Moreover, consumer sentiment data from the University of Michigan will also be released on Friday. This reading will include information about inflation expectations, making it particularly relevant as investors seek to gauge future economic conditions.

In summary, the current landscape is one of cautious optimism. With equity futures showing minor declines amidst an overall favorable trend, the focus now shifts to the week’s upcoming events. Trade talks, inflation data, and consumer sentiment readings will serve as key indicators for the market’s direction. As always, investors should remain vigilant, balancing their portfolios while keeping a close eye on developments that could reshape the investment environment.

The anticipation surrounding these forthcoming events is palpable, especially for those closely monitoring the stock market today. The coming week may very well define the trajectory of the market for the foreseeable future, with potential for significant ramifications depending on the outcomes of trade discussions and economic data releases. This dynamic period serves as a reminder of the ever-changing nature of the stock market, where news and sentiment can shift rapidly, influencing investor behavior and market trends.

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