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Major Indexes Continue June Momentum
The S&P 500 extended its winning streak Monday, climbing 0.6% to close at 6,210.45 at today’s market close, building on Friday’s record-setting performance. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite advanced 0.7% to finish at another all-time high, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 285 points, or 0.65%, as markets today responded positively to developments in global trade negotiations.
June has proven to be a remarkable month for stock market today, with the S&P 500 now up nearly 5% for the month, the Nasdaq surging more than 6.5%, and the Dow adding about 4.2%. This impressive performance marks a stunning comeback from April’s lows, when the S&P 500 had fallen nearly 18% year-to-date amid escalating trade tensions.
“The bearish narratives—Middle East conflict, tariffs, soft economic data—keep getting invalidated by the price action,” said Ken Mahoney, CEO of Mahoney Asset Management. “Every chance the market has had to break down has failed. Instead, it continues to do what bull markets do best: climb the wall of worry. We think this run can continue, not without volatility to the downside of course.”
Trade Developments Drive Market Sentiment
Today’s gains were largely fueled by optimism surrounding international trade negotiations. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick announced late last week that a framework between China and the U.S. had been finalized, with expectations that the Trump administration would soon reach deals with 10 major trading partners.
However, market news today wasn’t entirely positive. Stocks briefly pulled back from session highs after President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that the U.S. is “terminating ALL discussions on Trade with Canada” in response to Ottawa’s decision to implement a digital services tax on American tech firms. Despite this setback, investors remained focused on the broader positive developments in global trade.
Market participants are also closely monitoring whether the Senate will pass President Trump’s economic package, which narrowly cleared a key procedural vote on Saturday night. If approved, the bill faces an uncertain path in the House, where some Republican lawmakers have expressed concerns about revisions in the latest version.
Tech Stocks Lead the Charge
Technology stocks continued to outperform the broader stock market live performance, with semiconductor companies showing particular strength. Nvidia (NVDA) gained 2.3% at the closing bell, while Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) rose 1.8%. Apple (AAPL) added 1.1%, and Microsoft (MSFT) climbed 0.9%.
The financial sector also showed strength, with JPMorgan Chase (JPM) advancing 1.4% and Goldman Sachs (GS) adding 1.2% as investors anticipated potential benefits from the administration’s economic policies.
Energy stocks lagged as oil prices retreated slightly, with Exxon Mobil (XOM) falling 0.3% and Chevron (CVX) declining 0.2%.
Global Markets Show Mixed Results
Asian markets delivered mixed performance on Monday as investors digested various economic data points. Japan’s Nikkei 225 climbed 0.84% to end at 40,487.39 after hitting an 11-month high earlier in the session. South Korea’s Kospi index closed 0.52% higher at 3,071.70.
China’s manufacturing activity contracted for the third consecutive month in June, fueling hopes for additional stimulus measures to offset ongoing trade disruptions with the U.S. Mainland China’s CSI 300 index added 0.37% to close at 3,936.08, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index fell 0.87% to 24,072.28.
European markets closed slightly lower as investors remained cautious about the evolving trade landscape.
Earnings Season Kicks Off
Several companies are scheduled to report earnings after today’s market close, including Progress Software Corporation (PRGS), which is expected to report earnings per share of $1.30. National Beverage Corp. (FIZZ) will also report, with analysts expecting EPS of $0.48.
Other companies reporting today include Radius Recycling (RDUS), Methode Electronics (MEI), and Quantum Corporation (QMCO). Investors will be watching these reports closely for insights into corporate performance amid the current economic environment.
According to FactSet, more S&P 500 companies are issuing positive earnings guidance for the second quarter than average. Out of the 110 companies that have provided quarterly EPS guidance, 51 have issued positive projections, exceeding both the 5-year average of 42 and the 10-year average of 39.
However, earnings growth appears to be slowing. The estimated year-over-year earnings growth rate for the S&P 500 in the second quarter is 5%, which could mark the lowest earnings growth for the index since the fourth quarter of 2023.
Looking Ahead: Key Economic Data
Investors will be focusing on several important economic reports due later this week. The June jobs report, scheduled for release on Friday, will provide crucial insights into the labor market’s health. Economists are expecting nonfarm payrolls to increase by approximately 180,000, with the unemployment rate holding steady at 4.1%.
Additionally, the Institute for Supply Management will release its manufacturing PMI on Wednesday, which will offer a glimpse into factory activity for June. The previous reading showed contraction, and analysts will be watching closely to see if there’s any improvement.
The Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge, the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Price Index, will be released on Thursday. With the Fed maintaining its cautious stance on interest rates, this report could influence expectations for monetary policy adjustments in the coming months.
Market Outlook
As the second quarter comes to a close at the market close, investors are evaluating the remarkable recovery from April’s lows. Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and trade uncertainties, market sentiment remains largely positive.
“We’re seeing a classic case of the market climbing a wall of worry,” said Maria Rodriguez, chief market strategist at Global Investments. “While there are legitimate concerns about trade policies and potential inflation, strong corporate earnings and the prospect of economic stimulus are providing significant tailwinds for equities.”
As we move into the second half of 2025, market participants will be closely monitoring earnings reports, economic data, and developments in global trade negotiations. With the S&P 500 and Nasdaq at record highs, investors are cautiously optimistic that the current momentum can continue, though many analysts expect increased volatility in the months ahead.
Ed Liston is a senior contributing editor at TheStockMarketWatch.com. An active market watcher and investor, Ed guides an independent team of experienced analysts and writes for multiple stock trader publications.