Market

Despite looming tariffs, the stock market continues to trade near record highs. This is surprising considering tariffs could harm earnings, the most critical factor driving stock prices. However, investors may anticipate short-lived or less burdensome tariffs. Analysts warn that tariffs could decrease S&P 500 EPS by 2-3%, potentially impacting two-thirds of this year's EPS growth. Despite the threat of tariffs, earnings continue to perform well, with Q4 EPS growth exceeding expectations. As earnings remain the primary driver of stock prices, strong earnings could mitigate the negative effects of tariffs. Historically, earnings have contributed significantly to the S&P 500's total return, indicating their importance in determining stock prices. The labor market remains strong, with job growth and low unemployment. Wage growth is ticking up, while job openings are falling, suggesting a gradual cooling in the job market. Layoffs remain low, and hiring continues to exceed layoffs. Consumer sentiment has declined, but card spending data shows resilience. Gas prices are rising, while supply chain pressures remain loose. Business investment activity remains at record levels, and services and manufacturing surveys signal growth. Construction spending and mortgage rates are trending lower. Office occupancy is increasing, and GDP growth estimates remain positive. While the market is near all-time highs, the long-term outlook remains favorable as earnings growth is expected to continue. However, investors should stay vigilant and consider potential risks such as geopolitical turmoil, energy price volatility, and economic recessions.

Published on: February 10, 2025, 12:01 PM UTC

U.S. stocks rise ahead of the open after steelmakers rally on Trump's steel and aluminum tariffs announcement.

Published on: February 10, 2025, 12:01 PM UTC

Jiangsu Lopal Tech and Contemporary Amperex Technology are restarting their lithium refinery in China after a five-month halt, potentially further suppressing lithium prices.

Published on: February 10, 2025, 12:00 PM UTC

US stock futures rose before the opening bell on Monday, indicating a rebound from steep declines thanks to a surge in steel producers after President Donald Trump announced new tariffs on steel and aluminum imports.

Published on: February 10, 2025, 12:00 PM UTC

Despite market volatility caused by tariffs and concerns over AI, investors' bullish sentiment toward US stocks remains elevated. However, indicators such as the Bloomberg Intelligence Market Pulse Index and Bank of America's Sell-Side Indicator suggest a potential for muted returns and increased vulnerability in the short term.

Published on: February 10, 2025, 11:01 AM UTC

Gold demand surges as Americans seek safe haven; British investors cash in on profit-taking amid trade war fears. Investors flock to gold as bullion prices rise, with New York stockpiles increasing and London reserves decreasing.

Published on: February 10, 2025, 11:00 AM UTC

China's retaliation after US imposes tariffs on steel and aluminum, escalating trade tensions between the countries over the years. Key moments in the trade spat include Trump's initial tariffs in 2017, China's response, and subsequent tit-for-tat duties, leading to a partial trade deal in 2020 and ongoing restrictions.

Published on: February 10, 2025, 11:00 AM UTC

India seeks to buy U.S. LNG. Indian oil companies are in talks with U.S. companies for additional LNG sourcing and would consider buying stakes in U.S. LNG projects if the deals were attractive.

Published on: February 10, 2025, 11:00 AM UTC

India's largest LNG importers are in talks for long-term supply deals with US companies including Cheniere Energy and discussing investment in US LNG projects.

Published on: February 10, 2025, 10:01 AM UTC

US equity futures rose as markets processed President Trump's tariffs on steel and aluminum. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 gained at least 0.3%, while aluminum and steel companies rose in premarket trading. BP Plc surged 6.7% after an activist investor revealed a stake. Trump's tariffs may boost inflation, potentially limiting the Federal Reserve's ability to cut interest rates. Gold advanced to a record high, while 10-year Treasury yields remained steady.

Published on: February 10, 2025, 10:00 AM UTC