Stocks Struggle Near Record Highs Amidst Economic Uncertainties

Key Highlights:

* Equities gained initially but faced headwinds as traders weighed economic risks.
* The S&P 500 remained stable, while the Nasdaq 100 and Dow Jones Industrial Average declined slightly.
* Uncertainties surrounding tariffs, inflation, and geopolitical events hindered further equity growth.
* Semiconductor stocks surged, driven by speculation and positive outlooks.
* The yield on 10-year Treasuries increased, indicating market anticipation of higher interest rates.
* Global stocks remain attractive to investors, with ample risk appetite and low cash levels.
* Despite market volatility, investors are largely bullish on stocks and cautious about bonds.
* Earnings outlook for corporations is weakening, posing a potential risk to the stock market.

Key Market Shifts:

* Stocks: The S&P 500 was relatively unchanged, the Nasdaq 100 fell 0.2%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.2%.
* Semiconductors: The Philadelphia Stock Exchange Semiconductor Index climbed 1.4%.
* Currencies: The Bloomberg Dollar Spot Index rose 0.2%, the euro depreciated against the dollar, and the yen weakened.
* Cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin dropped 2.7% and Ether fell 5.5%.
* Bonds: The yield on 10-year Treasuries increased six basis points to 4.54%.
* Commodities: West Texas Intermediate crude gained 1.6%, and spot gold rose 1.2%.

Key Economic Events This Week:

* New Zealand rate decision (Wednesday)
* Fed minutes (Wednesday)
* Eurozone consumer confidence (Thursday)
* US initial jobless claims (Thursday)
* Eurozone HCOB manufacturing & services PMI (Friday)
* US S&P Global manufacturing & services PMI (Friday)
* Existing home sales (Friday)
* University of Michigan consumer sentiment (Friday)