Market Overview

The S&P 500 slipped on Thursday as uncertainty surrounding the U.S. economy continued to weigh on equities, hindering the market’s efforts to recover from a monthlong decline. The index fell 0.22% to close at 5,662.89. The Nasdaq Composite declined 0.33% to 17,691.63, dragged down by losses in Apple and Alphabet. The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged down 11.31 points, or 0.03%, to 41,953.32.

Investor sentiment remained fragile following the Federal Reserve’s recent policy decision, which kept interest rates unchanged while projecting two rate cuts in 2025. Fed Chair Jerome Powell pointed to tariffs as a potential economic pressure, particularly for consumers. The central bank also revised its inflation outlook upward and lowered its economic growth projection.

The market is bracing for increased volatility ahead of Friday’s triple witching event, where an estimated $4.5 trillion in options contracts will expire. Meanwhile, the yield on 10-year Treasuries remained steady at 4.24%, and the U.S. dollar strengthened by 0.3%. Copper prices fluctuated near $10,000 per ton.

Corporate News

• Accenture shares fell over 7% after the company reported that its Federal Services business lost contracts with the U.S. government due to tighter spending measures under the Trump administration.
• Apple Inc. is reportedly undergoing a rare executive restructuring to realign its artificial intelligence efforts after facing months of delays and setbacks.
• Nvidia Corp. plans to invest billions of dollars over the next four years to source U.S.-made chips and electronics, according to the Financial Times.

Markets continue to react to policy uncertainty, trade concerns, and economic data, with volatility expected to persist in the near term.