U.S. stocks ended Thursday’s session in the green, with the S&P 500 (^GSPC) marking its first record close of 2025. The broad index gained more than 0.5%, securing a fresh all-time high. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI) rose about 0.9%, though it fell short of reaching its own record, while the Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC) recovered from earlier losses to finish up by 0.2%.
Nvidia (NVDA) shares ended the day near the flatline after its supplier, SK Hynix (000660.KS), expressed concerns about chip demand for the year, which also impacted related stocks throughout the session.
Trump’s Davos Speech and Economic Policy
Investor attention turned to President Donald Trump’s remote address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he discussed his economic and trade policies. The president called for immediate interest rate cuts and urged OPEC to lower oil prices.
On tariffs, Trump warned companies that choose to manufacture abroad. He stated, “If you don’t make your product in America, then very simply you will have to pay a tariff — differing amounts, but a tariff.”
These remarks have left investors reflecting on potential future tariffs and their impact on inflation and stocks. Trump’s speech also included a focus on artificial intelligence, boosting tech stocks, but investors remain uncertain about when the tariff measures might take effect.
Earnings and Economic Data
As the earnings season continues, investors are also keeping an eye on Netflix (NFLX), which is setting the stage for next week’s big tech earnings announcements.
On the economic front, U.S. jobless claims rose by 6,000 to 223,000 for the week, slightly higher than the expected 220,000. The increase in claims was one of the day’s key data points for market watchers.
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