Stocks Conclude The Week On A Softer Note Friday, July 11, 2025 – ( $BTC $MCD $NVDA $TSLA Rise!) - Vista Partners LLC

The U.S. equity markets concluded the week on a softer note, with all major indices retreating from their record highs. The S&P 500 slipped 0.3% to close at 6,259.75, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average declined by 279.13 points, or 0.6%, ending at 44,371.51. The Nasdaq Composite edged down 0.2% to 20,585.53, maintaining its position near historic levels. The Russell 2000 underperformed, falling 0.6% as small-cap stocks faced renewed selling pressure.

Macroeconomic Reports

Today’s macroeconomic landscape was shaped by anticipation of next week’s key inflation data. Markets digested the latest signals from June’s Consumer Price Index forecasts, which suggest inflation is ticking higher, driven by the early impact of new tariffs. Analysts expect a 0.23% monthly and 2.6% annual increase in headline CPI, with core inflation projected at 0.30% month-over-month and 3.0% year-over-year. The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady, awaiting further clarity on the inflation trajectory and the economic impact of tariffs. Bond markets are currently pricing in a 60% probability of a rate cut in September.

S&P 500, Dow 30, Nasdaq, and Russell Index Highlights

S&P 500: Closed at 6,259.75, down 0.3%. Nine of eleven sectors finished in the red, with Real Estate and Consumer Discretionary showing relative strength. Market breadth remains narrow, with only two stocks reaching new 52-week highs.
Dow 30: Ended at 44,371.51, a 0.6% decline. Most components traded lower, reflecting broad-based weakness in blue chips.
Nasdaq: Finished at 20,585.53, down 0.2%. The index remains resilient, buoyed by continued strength in large-cap technology stocks despite sector rotation.
Russell 2000: Fell 0.6%, with small caps lagging amid concerns about growth and higher borrowing costs.

Noteworthy Company News

NVIDIA (NVDA)

NVIDIA shares advanced 0.93% to $165.63, as the company celebrated its historic $4 trillion market capitalization milestone. The stock’s ascent is underpinned by robust demand for artificial intelligence chips and the impending launch of the Blackwell Ultra series. Analysts remain bullish on NVIDIA’s growth prospects, citing expanding data center revenues and strategic AI partnerships.

Tesla (TSLA)

Tesla’s stock was subdued, reflecting a cautious outlook from Wall Street, but swung up +1.17% to close at $313.51 on Friday. The company announced plans to open its first showroom in Mumbai, India, on July 15. However, sentiment was tempered by ongoing concerns about slowing EV sales and the potential reduction of government subsidies. Analysts maintain a “Hold” rating, with an average price target suggesting limited near-term upside.

Meta Platforms (META)

Meta’s share price was modestly lower closing at $717.51, -1.34% as investors digested recent regulatory developments and awaited the company’s upcoming earnings report. No major corporate news was reported today, but the stock continues to trade near its all-time highs, supported by strong advertising revenue and AI-driven product innovation.

McDonald’s (MCD)

McDonald’s shares closed at $299.91, +.51% on Friday. The company remains focused on international expansion and digital transformation, though no significant news emerged today.

Oracle (ORCL)

Oracle’s stock traded lower in line with the technology sector today closing at $230.56, -1.89% on Friday. Investors are monitoring the company’s cloud growth trajectory and recent partnership announcements, but no material updates were released during today’s session.

Palantir Technologies (PLTR)

Palantir’s shares were little changed closing at $142.10, with the company maintaining investor attention ahead of its next earnings release. The market continues to watch for developments in government contracts and commercial AI adoption.

Rio Tinto Group (RIO)

Rio Tinto’s U.S.-listed shares rose 1.66% to close at $61.10 as commodity prices softened and global trade uncertainties persisted. The mining giant faces headwinds from tariff-related disruptions and fluctuating demand for industrial metals.

Corporate Actions: Acquisitions, Mergers, and IPOs

No major mergers, acquisitions, or buyouts involving S&P 500 constituents were announced today. IPO activity on the NYSE and Nasdaq remained muted, with no significant new listings or filings reported, reflecting a cautious environment amid ongoing market volatility and tariff uncertainty.

Tariffs, Yield Curve, and Interest Rates

Trade policy remained in focus as the White House reaffirmed plans to implement a 50% tariff on copper imports from Brazil and additional restrictions on Chinese e-commerce platforms, effective August 1. While the market reaction was measured, the prospect of higher tariffs is beginning to filter into inflation expectations and business sentiment. The yield curve flattened further, with shorter-term yields rising on inflation concerns, while longer-term yields held steady as investors anticipate potential Fed easing later in the year.

FOMC Announcements

The Federal Open Market Committee did not issue new policy changes today. The Fed continues to signal a data-dependent approach, with markets increasingly betting on a rate cut in September should inflation remain contained and growth moderate.

Commodities and Cryptocurrency Closing Prices

Gold: Ended the session marginally higher at $3,370.30/oz, supported by safe-haven demand amid tariff uncertainty.
Silver: Traded higher at $39.08/oz., reflecting mixed signals from industrial demand.
Oil: Prices rose +3.01% to close at $67.35/bbl, with traders weighing global supply dynamics against slowing economic growth.
Bitcoin: Closed near $117,435.44 after hitting a record high of $118,731 a new all-time high on Friday.

Stocks Conclude The Week On A Softer Note Friday, July 11, 2025 – ( $BTC $MCD $NVDA $TSLA Rise!)