US Stocks Mixed as Investors Digest Retail Data, Earnings
New York, USA - US stocks opened with a mixed performance on Friday as investors weighed a week of tariff hikes and inflation updates amidst the release of fresh retail data and earnings reports.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI) dipped slightly, while the S&P 500 (^IXIC) rose modestly and the Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC) added 0.1%.
Retail Sales Dip
Retail sales fell by 0.9% in January, the biggest monthly decline in a year, significantly below analysts' estimates. The data, released on Friday, concluded a week of key economic indicators.
Trump's Reciprocal Tariffs
Markets paused to digest the fast-moving stream of policy shifts from President Donald Trump this week, including tariffs on steel and aluminum, peace talks with Russia, and a review of the CHIPS Act.
Stock Movers
Airbnb (ABNB) shares surged after the travel company exceeded expectations. GameStop (GME) jumped amid speculation of its entry into the bitcoin market. Meanwhile, Moderna (MRNA) posted a larger-than-expected earnings loss, dragging down its stock price.
Key Developments
* Airbnb plans to expand its platform into a comprehensive app for travel and living.
* Retail sales experienced their largest month-over-month decline since January 2024.
* The Trump administration is considering renegotiating CHIPS Act deals, potentially delaying funding.
* Coinbase's earnings surpassed expectations, but concerns about increased marketing spending muted stock reactions.
* China has invited Alibaba's Jack Ma and other entrepreneurs to meet with President Xi.
* Tesla (TSLA) has lost approximately $400 billion in market value since the post-election rally.
Trading Activity
Stocks remained on track for solid weekly gains, supported by Thursday's delay in implementing reciprocal tariffs. The S&P 500 is approaching a new all-time high.
Analyst Commentary
Analysts noted that investors are taking a cautious approach as they digest the recent economic data and policy shifts.
Headline News
* Airbnb Surges After Upbeat Quarter, Plans Amazon-Like Expansion
* Retail Sales See Biggest Drop in a Year to Start 2025
* Stocks Steady as Investors Digest Tariff Plan, Retail Sales
* Tesla's $400 Billion Slide: Why Wall Street Says 'Buyer Beware'
* Trump Said to Be Set to Change US CHIPS Act Deals, Delaying Funding
* Coinbase Earnings: What Wall Street Is Saying
* China Invites Jack Ma, DeepSeek Founder to Meet Top Leaders