The U.S. stock market concluded the trading week on Friday, July 25, 2025, with major indexes extending their record-setting rally, driven by a combination of robust corporate earnings, encouraging economic data, and growing optimism surrounding international trade agreements. The day's trading saw the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite reach new all-time closing highs, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average also posted solid gains, nearing its own December record. This positive momentum capped a strong week for Wall Street, with all three major indexes rising more than 1% over the past five trading days.
Market Performance Recap
On Friday, the broad-based S&P 500 index climbed 0.4% (25.29 points) to close at 6,388.64, marking its fifth consecutive record close this week. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite rose 0.2% (50.36 points) to finish at 21,108.32, setting a new closing high for the third straight day and its 15th record close of 2025. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) also contributed to the bullish sentiment, advancing 0.5% (208.01 points) to 44,901.92. The Russell 2000 index (RUT) of smaller companies also saw gains, rising 0.4% (8.94 points) to 2,261.07.
For the week, the S&P 500 was up 1.5%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.3%, and the Nasdaq Composite added 1%. Year-to-date, the Nasdaq Composite leads the pack with a 9.3% increase, followed by the S&P 500 at 8.6%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average at 5.5%. Market sentiment has been significantly bolstered by generally strong corporate earnings reports, favorable economic data, and renewed hopes that impending tariffs will not be as detrimental as initially feared.
After-Hours Trading Highlights
Following the close of regular trading, after-hours activity saw some notable movements. The NASDAQ 100 After Hours Indicator showed an increase of 14.85 points, reaching 23,287.1. Among the most active stocks in the extended session were Grab Holdings Limited (GRAB), Thomson Reuters Corp (TRI), ImmunityBio, Inc. (IBRX), Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ), Pfizer, Inc. (PFE), AT&T Inc. (T), Intel Corporation (INTC), Nvidia Corporation (NVDA), and CRH PLC (CRH). Intel, in particular, experienced volatility, initially seeing a rise after its revenue beat but then declining as the market digested its deeper loss outlook and restructuring costs.
Major Stock News and Corporate Announcements
Several individual stocks made headlines today with significant price movements driven by earnings reports and corporate announcements:
- Intel Corporation (INTC) was a major decliner, sinking 8.5% after the beleaguered chipmaker reported an unexpected loss in the second quarter and announced plans to cut thousands of jobs, approximately 15% of its workforce, as part of its restructuring efforts. While the company's Q2 revenue of $12.9 billion topped analysts' expectations of $11.9 billion, its forecast for a steeper Q3 loss weighed heavily on investor sentiment.
- Deckers Outdoor Corporation (DECK), the company behind popular footwear brands Ugg and Hoka, soared by 11.3% to 11.4%. This significant jump came after Deckers reported stronger-than-expected profit and revenue for the spring quarter, with international sales surging by nearly 50%.
- Tesla Inc. (TSLA) rebounded with a 3.5% gain, recouping some of its sharp losses from yesterday. The electric vehicle maker reported second-quarter earnings per share of $0.40, which narrowly beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.39, though it was a decrease from the year-ago figure of $0.52. Total revenues of $22.5 billion surpassed the consensus mark but declined 12% year-over-year.
- Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL) saw its shares rise after reporting strong second-quarter 2025 results. The company's earnings of $2.31 per share beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 7.44% and grew 22.2% year-over-year. Revenues increased 13.8% year-over-year to $96.43 billion, with net revenues exceeding consensus estimates. Alphabet's performance helped lift the S&P 500.
- ServiceNow Inc. (NOW) also impressed investors, reporting second-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings of $4.09 per share, beating estimates by 15.54% and increasing 30.7% year-over-year. Revenues of $3.22 billion surpassed the consensus mark by 3.02% and grew 22.4% year-over-year.
- Charter Communications Inc. (CHTR) experienced a sharp decline of more than 18%, leading decliners in the S&P 500. The cable service provider missed second-quarter profit estimates and reported a steeper-than-expected drop in internet subscribers. Its competitor, Comcast Corporation (CMCSA), also saw its shares fall by 4.8%.
- Newmont Corporation (NEM) saw its stock pop by nearly 6% to 7.4% after the mining giant reported better-than-expected second-quarter earnings and revenue, significantly boosted by surging gold prices. Newmont also announced a new $3 billion share repurchase program.
- Paramount Global (PARA) received good news as U.S. regulators cleared its proposed merger with Skydance Media.
Upcoming Market Events
Investors are now turning their attention to a busy week ahead, packed with crucial economic data, major earnings releases, and key policy decisions.
Earnings Season Continues
Next week is poised to be the busiest of the earnings season, with a significant number of S&P 500 companies scheduled to report their quarterly results. The spotlight will be on several mega-cap technology companies, including Microsoft Corporation (MSFT), Apple Inc. (AAPL), Amazon.com Inc. (AMZN), and Meta Platforms Inc. (META), all of whom are due to release their earnings. Any surprises from these market giants could have significant implications for the broader market. Other prominent companies reporting next week include Boeing Company (BA), PayPal Holdings Inc. (PYPL), Visa Inc. (V), Mastercard Inc. (MA), Procter & Gamble Company (PG), UnitedHealth Group Inc. (UNH), Starbucks Corporation (SBUX), Merck & Co. Inc. (MRK), American Tower Corporation (AMT), ADP (ADP), Altria Group Inc. (MO), Etsy Inc. (ETSY), ARM Holdings plc (ARM), The Kraft Heinz Company (KHC), Ford Motor Company (F), Qualcomm Inc. (QCOM), AbbVie Inc. (ABBV), S&P Global Inc. (SPGI), and energy giants Chevron Corporation (CVX) and Exxon Mobil Corporation (XOM).
Economic Data Announcements
The economic calendar for next week is heavy, with several key reports expected to provide further insights into the health of the U.S. economy:
- Gross Domestic Product (GDP): The advance estimate for Q2 GDP is expected to show a rebound in U.S. growth, with forecasts pointing to a 2.5% increase after a contraction in Q1.
- Jobs Report: The highly anticipated July jobs report, including nonfarm payrolls, is expected to show a slowdown in hiring, with forecasts around 102,000 new jobs. The unemployment rate may tick up to 4.2%.
- Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE): June's PCE price index, a key inflation gauge for the Federal Reserve, is forecast to rise by 0.3%.
- Other important data releases include the ISM Manufacturing PMI, JOLTs job openings, ADP employment change, and various housing market indicators.
Federal Reserve Policy Decision
A pivotal event next week will be the Federal Reserve's policy meeting. While policymakers are widely expected to keep the federal funds rate unchanged at its current target range of 4.25% to 4.50%, investors will be closely scrutinizing the accompanying statement and Chairman Jerome Powell's press conference for any indications regarding the future trajectory of interest rates, particularly the timing of potential rate cuts.
Trade Policy Developments
Trade negotiations remain a significant factor influencing market sentiment. Investors are closely watching for further developments on the trade front, especially with the August 1st deadline for new tariffs approaching. Hopes for additional trade deals, following the recent U.S.-Japan agreement, continue to fuel optimism, as market participants seek to avert major tariffs with other key trade partners.
In conclusion, the U.S. stock market closed out the week on a high note, with major indexes hitting new records. The positive momentum was largely driven by a strong earnings season and optimism surrounding trade. Looking ahead, the market anticipates a busy week filled with critical earnings reports from tech giants, key economic data releases, and the Federal Reserve's interest rate decision, all of which will shape the direction of the market in the coming days.
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.