The S&P and Nasdaq tagged their fourth consecutive loss
Stocks were mostly lower today, after a weaker-than-expected consumer confidence report added to economic uncertainty. While the Dow added 159 points, the Nasdaq logged its fourth straight loss -- and its third consecutive triple-digit drop -- dragged lower ahead of Nvidia's (NVDA) earnings report. The S&P 500 also extended its losing streak to four sessions, as broader market sentiment remained cautious.
The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX) hovered near the psychologically-significant 20 level, and the 10-year Treasury yield fell below 4.3% -- its lowest level since December -- as traders sought safety in bonds.
Continue reading for more on today's market, including:
- Should you look at EV stocks as a long-term investment?
- Bitcoin weighs on 2 crypto stocks.
- Plus, gauging SPX volatility; HD's post-earnings response; and PayPal's guidance.
5 Things to Know Today
- Interest rates may have to rise in order to combat inflation. (MarketWatch)
- There's still hurdles for Trump's aggressive tax cut plan. (Reuters)
- Be wary of the latest SPX breakout.
- Behind Home Depot's blockbuster quarter.
- Unpacking PayPal's strong annual guidance.
Oil Futures Fall to Lowest Level of 2025
Oil futures fell to their lowest level of the year as U.S. tariff concerns weighed on demand, offsetting support from new Iran sanctions. The most active April-dated West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell $1.77, or 1.5%, to settle at $69.93 per barrel for the day.
Gold prices fell to a one-week low, as investors took profits after Monday’s record high. At last glance, gold's April contract was down 1.4% at $2,920.40 an ounce for the day.