Published May 22, 2025 – XSTPNews
Wall Street closed Thursday with mixed results, reflecting a complex blend of easing bond yields and stronger-than-expected employment data.
The S&P 500 dipped slightly by 0.04%, ending the day at 5,842.01 points. The Nasdaq Composite posted a gain of 0.28%, closing at 18,925.73 points, supported by strong performance in tech stocks. Meanwhile, the Dow Jones Industrial Average held steady at 41,859.09 points.
Big tech led the Nasdaq’s strength. Amazon rose 0.96%, Alphabet advanced 1.13%, Nvidia gained 0.78%, Microsoft was up 0.51%, and Meta added 0.17%. On the downside, Apple slipped 0.36%.
Investors are keeping a close eye on U.S. Treasury yields, which began to retreat after several sessions of increases. This shift in sentiment coincides with renewed debate around fiscal policy, following the House of Representatives’ approval of a tax reform proposal backed by former President Donald Trump. The reform has sparked broader concern about national debt and fiscal sustainability.
Economic indicators released Thursday confirmed the resilience of the U.S. economy. The Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for both manufacturing and services came in above expectations, signaling renewed expansion across the private sector for May. Meanwhile, weekly jobless claims fell more than forecast, reinforcing a picture of continued labor market strength.
“PMI data showed strong performance across manufacturing, services, and the overall composite index. When you combine that with a solid jobs report and stable inflation, it’s clear that the U.S. economy remains on solid footing,” said Harun Thilak, Market Director at Validus Risk Management.
In commodities, oil prices dropped following discussions within OPEC+ about potentially increasing production again in July. If confirmed, this would mark the third consecutive monthly production boost. Brent crude fell 1.26% to $64.09 per barrel, while WTI crude declined 1.23% to $60.81.
Markets continue to balance solid macro data with ongoing fiscal questions, watching closely for signs of broader shifts in investor confidence and central bank responses.
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