Wall Street stocks fall as markets weigh strong wage data, Fed meeting

It was big shot straight down on all the indexes, the Dow taking a whopping 570 point loss, the Nasdaq also in a 3-digit dump, on news that wages had increased more than expected – 1.2% in Q1. This combined with consumer confidence sinking to its lowest level in 1-1/2 years left the market defeated with worsening inflation and little hope of rate cuts. Today the forecast for cuts this year was lowered to 31 bps down from 150 in January. 

Wall Street stocks finish higher as investors focus on Fed moves

There was a lot of seesaw action today with all the indexes reaching highs around 2 pm, then sliding down to zero by 3 pm only to recover again in the final hour. The Dow alone gained over 160 points before diving to near break-even and then back up again.  This was largely due to anticipation over several major events coming this week, least of all not the Fed hoping that there aren’t any more hawkish comments. Certainly, no rate cuts are coming this month but there is concern that the statements may be even worse than before, which are already plenty hawkish enough.  

7 of the Best High-Dividend ETFs to Buy Now

Continuing on this weekend's theme of the latest and greatest investment opportunities, here are the best ETFs right now for high dividends, for those of you wishing to invest for income.  

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.