The S&P 500 Index is down 0.06% and the Dow Jones Industrials Index is down 0.11% as of today, while the Nasdaq 100 Index is up 0.19%. The fluctuation follows a new all-time high for the S&P 500 earlier in the day, driven by strong performance from chipmakers and AI infrastructure stocks following ASML Holding NV’s record Q4 bookings of €13.2 billion, significantly exceeding the consensus of €6.85 billion.
The Federal Reserve announced it will maintain the benchmark interest rate at 3.5% to 3.75%, halting a series of cuts. This decision aligns with market expectations but keeps concerns over potential risks, such as looming trade tariffs and a possible government shutdown. The U.S. dollar index is climbing back from a nearly four-year low, and WTI crude oil has reached a four-month high amid geopolitical tensions, particularly surrounding Iran.
In earnings news, 81% of S&P 500 companies that have reported thus far have beaten expectations. Major tech companies including Microsoft, Meta Platforms, and Tesla are set to report earnings this week, further shaping market sentiment.
