Stocks Closed Mixed Despite Chip Rally, Soft Inflation Data

UnitedHealth Group stock dragged the Dow today

Jake Scott

Deputy Editor

May 13, 2025 at 4:29 PM

Easing U.S.-China trade tensions and cooler inflation data fueled another round of risk-on buying today. The S&P 500 clawed back into positive territory for the year, while the Nasdaq popped on strength from chip stocks after Nvidia's (NVDA) deal with Saudi Arabia. The Dow lagged, however, closing 269 points lower after UnitedHealth Group's (UNH) CEO departure and suspended guidance.

Continue reading for more on today's market, including:

A contrarian case for Foot Locker stock's potential drop.
Our volatility tool is helping traders win right now.
Plus, UAA's earnings reaction; UNH's multi-year lows; and why HTZ crashed.

5 Things to Know Today

President Trump announced the removal of all sanctions on Syria. (CNBC)
The House is set to publicly debate Trump's proposed tax legislation. (Reuters)
Apparel retail stock popped after surprising Wall Street.
More on UnitedHealth stock's five-year lows.
Breaking down Hertz Global's first-quarter earnings.

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Gold Bounces Back

Crude oil prices surged today, boosted by the U.S.-China tariff truce and a soft inflation reading. June-dated West Texas Intermediate (WTI) rose $1.72, or 2.8%, to settle at $63.67 per barrel.

Gold prices also rebounded, as bargain-hunters stepped in following Monday’s slide. Softer inflation data provided an added lift. June-dated gold futures rose 0.8% to finish near $3,254 per ounce.

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