The stock market is sensitive — yet clearly optimistic: Chart of the Week

Published On Feb 1, 2025, 7:30 AM

The stock market has shown great sensitivity recently, particularly in tech stocks, but remains optimistic overall. After a volatile week, including a drop triggered by concerns about cheaper AI technologies from a Chinese competitor, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite nearly returned to their previous highs. Key influences on current market sentiment include mixed messages from economic predictions, new potential tariffs, and huge events in external affairs. Despite this volatility, long-term earnings trends supporting stocks remain solid, suggesting potential for resilience in the market. Investors are advised to remain cautious but aware of underlying strengths in earnings performance.

Stock Forecasts

SPY

Positive

The tech sector is particularly sensitive to headlines involving AI developments and tariff discussions, but strong earnings reports are likely to support prices in the long run.

VGT

Positive

Given the recent volatility, there is likely continued uncertainty and patchiness in tech stocks primarily driven by AI; yet strong fundamentals might still yield positive outcomes in the S&P 500 over a longer horizon.

NVDA

Negative

The AI industry's rapid developments and competition could shake the shares of prominent companies like Nvidia unexpectedly, indicating a potential dip.

Related News

The order is aimed at “last-minute, lame-duck” agreements signed by the Biden administration, a White House memo says.

A wide range of tariff outcomes presents uncertainty for investors.

The relative calm in the markets may not survive upheaval in the A.I. sector and a deluge of disruptive Trump policies, our columnist says.