Today’s Stock Market in 2-Minutes

By Alex Financials

 

Tariffs Stir Markets, But No Panic

New metals & pharma tariffs by Trump have injected uncertainty: a 50% tariff on copper and potential 200% levies on pharmaceuticals (effective August 1) are weighing on markets. U.S. stock futures are trending higher cautiously as investors separate headline noise from fundamentals.

  • Copper prices surged ~13%, benefiting miners and metal stocks.

  • Yet broad markets (Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq) are rising modestly—tech is powering forward while metals lag.


Nvidia Makes History, Lifts Tech Stocks

Nvidia (NVDA) became the first-ever $4 trillion company, triggering a tech rally that pushed Nasdaq ~0.7% higher today . The broader Magnificent 7Apple ($AAPL), Alphabet ($GOOGL), Tesla ($TSLA)—also rose in sympathy, with tech leading the gains .

  • $AAPL: down ~$2 intraday at $207.53; P/E ~33.7; still seen as core long-term holding.

  • $GOOGL: up ~$2.70, trading at $177.06.

  • $TSLA: around $294.83, marginal pullback today after recent rebound .


Fed Minutes & Rate Watch

Fed minutes from the June 17‑18 meeting are due this afternoon. Markets expect insights into internal debate on whether tariffs and survey signals justify rate cuts .

  • Most analysts anticipate first cut in September, though July remains a remote possibility.

  • Rate holds between 4.25–4.50% so far; inflation manageable but tariff dynamics complicate policy.


Markets Rally Since April Crash

Since the April “Liberation Day” tariff shock, the S&P 500 has jumped ~25%, Dow ~6,600 points. Historical studies show that similarly strong 50-day rallies often continue—averaging 6.4% after 3 months.

Markets appear resilient, especially in quality tech, but valuations are high and policy risks remain.


Global Ripple Effects

  • Emerging markets like India dipped amid U.S. trade threat spillover — Nifty50 fell ~25 pts; Sensex down 110 pts.

  • Gold & wheat saw modest price gains: gold futures at ~$3,310/oz; wheat up amid dry weather in North America .


Company Snapshots

  • Apple ($AAPL) is stable but largely following Nvidia’s lead; watch next earnings due end‑July .

  • Alphabet ($GOOGL) continues steady growth fueled by AI momentum .

  • Tesla ($TSLA) is consolidating ahead of Q2 earnings estimated for July 23—investor focus on guidance amid mixed sentiment.

  • AI/Chip stocks like AMD and Super Micro also showing strength amid the tech upswing.


What Investors Should Watch

  • Fed minutes today (2 p.m. EDT): clues on rate path vs. tariff risks.

  • Tariff letters continue to roll out—major impact expected from Aug 1.

  • Q2 earnings: Nvidia already peaked; Apple, Alphabet, Tesla coming.

  • Yield & bond flows: a stronger dollar + yield moves may signal capital rotation.


Bottom Line

Markets are shrugging off tariff threats, buoyed by mega-cap tech and steady Fed guidance. The tech-led rally is strong, but geopolitical policy, rate decisions, and upcoming earnings add volatility.

What to do:

  • Stay diversified, with exposure to tech while hedging metals/agri risk.

  • Keep an eye on Fed communications and tariff developments.

  • Prepare for upcoming earnings; tech names may surprise on either side.

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