Dow (DJIA) Holds Well as Stock Markets Pull Back – Bullish Signal?

Despite U.S. stock indices slipping into the red on renewed trade concerns, Dow Jones remained unchanged.

Quick overview

  • U.S. stock indices closed lower, with the NASDAQ Composite leading the decline at 0.50%.
  • The Dow Jones remained nearly flat, slipping just 1.1 points, while the S&P 500 fell by 0.27%.
  • Trade tensions between the U.S. and China continue to create uncertainty, impacting investor sentiment.
  • Despite positive CPI data suggesting easing inflation, market caution prevails amid ongoing tariff concerns.

Despite U.S. stock indices slipping into the red on renewed trade concerns, Dow Jones remained unchanged.

Wall Street Ends Lower with NASDAQ Leading the Drop

U.S. equities ended the day in the red, with the NASDAQ Composite falling 0.50%, underperforming its peers. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped by just 1.1 points, effectively flat, while the S&P 500 closed lower by 0.27%.

Despite the weakness, the Dow’s weekly chart shows that it is currently consolidating around its 20-day simple moving average (SMA), suggesting potential for a breakout to the upside if sellers fail to gain momentum.

Dow Jones Chart Weekly – Attempting to Break the 20 SMA

Trade Tensions Return to Focus

One of the day’s major narratives centered on the evolving U.S.-China trade landscape. Market attention turned toward the layered tariffs that remain intact—25% from President Trump’s first term, 20% from his current term, and 10% from recent fentanyl-related penalties. Collectively, these measures imply that over half of U.S.-bound Chinese goods remain under significant tariff pressure. The ongoing uncertainty surrounding this agreement left investors wary, particularly as further trade escalations remain possible.

CPI Data Offers Relief, But Market Reaction Fizzles

The latest inflation data brought initial optimism. The headline CPI rose 2.4% year over year, a tick below April’s 2.9% and largely within forecasts. Monthly CPI also surprised to the downside, increasing by just 0.1% unrounded (+0.081%), offering more evidence of easing price pressures. The core CPI, which excludes food and energy, rose 0.1% monthly (+0.130%) and 2.8% annually, coming in below the expected 2.9%.

These figures reflect a continuation of the disinflation trend, with little sign that tariffs have yet contributed meaningfully to consumer price acceleration. Still, the cautious mood prevailed.

Yields and Dollar Fall, Stocks Fade Into Close

Following the inflation release, U.S. Treasury yields and the U.S. dollar weakened, as investors interpreted the data as reducing pressure on the Federal Reserve to maintain a hawkish stance. Initially, equities responded positively, erasing earlier losses. However, the rally lost steam into the afternoon, and stocks ultimately closed lower as trade-related uncertainties and technical resistance weighed on sentiment.

Conclusion: While today’s CPI print suggests continued cooling in inflation, markets remain on edge amid lingering concerns over U.S.-China tariffs and the potential impact on global growth. With no clear signs of sellers dominating the Dow’s chart yet, equities could still find support if macro headwinds stabilize. For now, investor caution is overriding soft inflation data, leaving Wall Street in a holding pattern.

Index Closures – Modest Declines Across the Board

  • The Dow Jones Industrial Average ended nearly flat, slipping just 1.1 points to 42,865.77, reflecting market indecision.
  • The broader S&P 500 fell by 16.57 points or 0.27%, closing at 6,022.24.
  • The Nasdaq Composite, more sensitive to tech, slid 99.11 points or 0.50%, finishing at 19,615.88.

Biggest Decliners – Chewy and Airlines Under Pressure

  • Chewy (CHWY) took a sharp hit, plunging 11% to $40.76 after disappointing sentiment on earnings momentum.
  • American Airlines (AAL) declined 6.59% to $11.06, as fuel cost concerns and soft summer outlooks weighed on carriers.
  • Intel (INTC) dropped 6.27% to $20.70, continuing its reversal from Tuesday’s pop, driven by uncertain fundamentals.
  • United Airlines (UAL) and GameStop (GME) both posted losses of over 5%, closing at $78.65 and $28.52, respectively.

Top Performers – Papa John’s and SoFi Stand Out

  • Papa John’s (PZZA) surged 7.43% to $51.78, likely driven by upbeat forward guidance and cost improvements.
  • SoFi Technologies (SOFI) rose 4.66% to $15.06, maintaining momentum from recent bullish analyst commentary.
  • Shopify (SHOP) added 3.51%, closing at $114.23, as investors continued to bet on its international expansion.
  • Broadcom (AVGO) rallied 3.38% to $252.91, supported by ongoing demand in AI-linked chip markets.
  • Robinhood (HOOD) climbed 3.27% to $74.88, as retail trading activity showed signs of resurgence.

Dow Jones Live Chart

 

DOW

ABOUT THE AUTHOR See More
Skerdian Meta
Lead Analyst
Skerdian Meta Lead Analyst. Skerdian is a professional Forex trader and a market analyst. He has been actively engaged in market analysis for the past 11 years. Before becoming our head analyst, Skerdian served as a trader and market analyst in Saxo Bank's local branch, Aksioner. Skerdian specialized in experimenting with developing models and hands-on trading. Skerdian has a masters degree in finance and investment.

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