US Stocks
US stocks moved higher today, with the S&P 500 up 0.83%, the Dow Jones gaining 0.77%, and the tech-heavy NASDAQ leading the pack with a 1.02% rise. This push comes as market participants shake off recent trade and tariff headlines, instead focusing on persistent strength in technology and some relief in interest rate uncertainties. Companies like Microsoft and Nvidia continue to shine, underpinning broader optimism in tech, even as automakers like Tesla see some turbulence after weaker quarterly sales. Overall, the mood remains constructive, with investors leaning towards growth sectors and welcoming a relatively calm start to July.
International Stocks
International stock markets presented a more mixed picture. Europe saw notable weakness, with the Euro Stoxx 50 down just over 1% and Germany’s DAX slipping 0.61%. Concerns around renewed US trade threats and a backdrop of political uncertainty have weighed on sentiment. Meanwhile, the UK’s FTSE 100 hovered essentially flat, while Asian markets were a bit softer—Hong Kong’s Hang Seng dipped 0.64%, though Japan’s Nikkei managed a small positive tick up 0.06%. Ongoing policy debates and regulatory developments in both India and the EU have kept overseas investors cautious for the time being.
10 Year Treasury
Interest rates, particularly the yield on the benchmark 10-year US Treasury, stayed exactly flat at 4.35%. This steadiness in the bond market suggests that investors are taking a wait-and-see approach ahead of upcoming inflation reports and further chatter about future moves from the Federal Reserve. While higher rates remain part of the conversation, today’s unchanged yield hints at a market searching for clarity and not feeling any immediate pressure from new economic data.
Oil
Oil prices edged down slightly, with crude falling 0.75% to $66.50 per barrel. The minor decline comes even as OPEC+ is reportedly considering expanding output, which has introduced some uncertainty for the energy markets. Reduced fears of global supply disruptions, along with steady US stockpiles, have kept oil from making dramatic moves in either direction. For now, prices are within a familiar range, which can help ease inflationary concerns for consumers and businesses alike.
Gold
Gold prices were barely changed, rising just 0.11% to $3346.50 an ounce. The precious metal continues to act as a safe haven, but with less urgency as macroeconomic risks appear contained for now. The muted action aligns with the broader calm seen in bonds and the dollar, suggesting that traders are not rushing to hedge against sudden shocks. Gold’s stability offers some reassurance to investors who prize diversification but aren’t currently reacting to any single crisis or headline.
Bitcoin
Bitcoin saw a more notable move, easing by just over 2% to about $107,600. This pullback comes after a period of volatility, possibly linked to shifting regulatory discussions and speculation about new crypto tax legislation in the US. While some “sleeping” Bitcoin wallets sprang to life after years of dormancy, the broader crypto space continues to grapple with ongoing adjustments in investor sentiment. Despite the daily move, Bitcoin remains at historically elevated levels, and many traders are taking longer-term developments in stride.