Stock market today: S&P 500 pops to another record while Dow, Nasdaq rise with tariffs, Fed minutes in focus

Published On Feb 19, 2025, 5:40 PM

U.S. stocks closed higher as investors reacted to President Trump’s proposed new tariffs on autos, chips, and pharmaceuticals, alongside insights from the Federal Reserve's recent meeting minutes which indicated a continued focus on inflation control. The S&P 500 hit a record high as concerns about inflation persist, and short sellers faced significant losses due to rising stock prices and short squeezes, notably in stocks like Super Micro Computer and Hims & Hers. The minutes revealed that the Fed is cautious about changing interest rates unless economic conditions and inflation expectations warrant it. Additionally, notable companies like Apple and Intel are facing potential impacts from these tariffs, with Apple being urged to raise prices to offset increased costs. Overall, the market appears to be in a phase of cautious optimism despite some headwinds.