7 Best Long-Term ETFs to Buy and Hold

Once again, U.S. News Invested provides us with the latest and greatest investment opportunities, especially for those of us interested in the highest quality long-term holdings.  

Wall Street shares close up as megacap tech stocks rally

With both Microsoft and Alphabet turning in strong Q1 reports after the bell yesterday, it was not unexpected that there would be a rally today after yesterday’s big dive. This extended to other megacap stocks with Amazon, Nvidia, and Meta all making gains. The good news from Microsoft and Google allayed market concerns and Commerce Department inflation data was in line with estimates which also allayed stagflation concerns. The S&P registered its biggest weekly gain since November, the Nasdaq snapped four weeks of losses. Volume remains below average at 9.88 billion. 

Tepid US data hits stocks, lifts Treasury yields to over 5-month high

A huge drop all across the board and right out the gate, the Dow down some 700 points by 10 a.m., all attesting to how skittish this market is when even mildly bad news can cause such a panic. The Nasdaq and S&P suffered similar fates but the good news is that all three began a steady recovery that lasted all day and closed down with far fewer losses than at open. The tech sector took a beating with both Facebook and Meta reporting poor forecasts and GDP slowing down. This was despite the fact that Yellen gave a statement that the economy was likely stronger than suggested by Q1 output.  

Equities mixed as investors eye earnings; yen on intervention watch

All three indexes were on a seesaw again today with all reaching substantial lows by noon, the Dow down about 200, only to recover again by 2 pm, then fall well into the red again, then recover to break-even again just minutes before close, then dive in the final moments to close down 42.  The Nasdaq and S&P went through almost identical patterns but both closed modestly in the black. This week’s PMI data has boosted Treasury yields which in turn has pressured equities. That makes Friday’s PCE data all the more critical. As today’s expert put it, “This week is getting back to fundamentals and earnings. Temporarily, we are sidestepping geopolitics.”  The consensus remains that caution is warranted due to inflation and employment. Volume came in at 10.45 billion, still below the 4-week average. 

Wall Street closes higher as investors digest earnings, megacap outlook

All three indexes took a shot straight up that lasted all day, all on good Q1 reports from top-tier companies including GM. Optimism over the Magnificent Seven stocks continues with their reports coming later in the week. Business activity cooled in April to a 4-month low and inflation also eased, suggesting possible relief for consumer prices. PMI came in weaker as did unemployment suggesting a “bad news is good news” scenario. But this was cautioned by today’s expert, “bad news is good news means people are too hawkish on Fed expectations.” PCE, the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge, is coming Friday. Volume is still below average at 10.57 billion. 

Wall St stocks end higher with major corporate earnings in view

All three indexes were more or less flat until about 11:30 a.m. when they suddenly zoomed way up, the Dow reaching a gain of over 450 by 2:30 p.m. until beginning a steady decline closing at a gain of 253. The morning buying spree may have been triggered by “the standard buy-on-the-dip after a 5% pullback” and by general excitement over anticipation of strong Q1 reports coming later this week from the Magnificent Seven stocks bolstered by today’s solid performance from Alphabet, Apple and Amazon.  But this was also tempered by customary caution regarding the Fed.  In addition to megacap company earnings, investors also await the March PCE data for more hints on inflation and rate cuts. Volume is still a little below average at 10.33 billion. 

7 Best Manufacturing Stocks to Buy

We all know that the primary driver behind the Fed's delay in cutting rates is that the economy, and particularly manufacturing, is just doing too darn well to be confident inflation won't go through the roof again. So it's time to take a closer look at those manufacturing stocks and that's exactly what U.S. News Invested has done this week. Hope everyone had a great weekend.