Stock Market Today Updates: Indices trade mixed as cooling CPI data fails to spark rally. S&P 500 flat despite cooling CPI. Gold surges 1.76% to $5,008, Bitcoin falls below $68k. Top gainers & losers, market analysis.
US Stock Market Today Updates (Image: File)
Stock Market Today Updates: Wall Street is trading on a mixed note with the S&P 500 hovering near the flatline at 6,849.19, the Nasdaq Composite dipping 0.02% to 22,593.17 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average eking out a 0.03% gain to 49,468.47. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by just 0.2% in January, according to a lower-than-expected inflation report. However, because of the persistent "AI fear" that is still weighing on technology companies, the data has not been able to spark a notable rise. A bright light is the semiconductor behemoth Applied Materials, which surged more than 11% after announcing impressive quarterly results.
| Index | Price | Change | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dow Jones | 49,468.47 | +16.49 | +0.03% |
| Nasdaq | 22,593.17 | -3.98 | -0.02% |
| S&P 500 | 6,849.19 | +16.43 | +0.24% |
| NYSE Composite | 23,312.89 | +124.07 | +0.54% |
The Dow Jones Industrial Average is trading nearly flat, up just 0.03% at 49,468.47. Gains in the industrial and defensive sectors, which are gaining from a decline in Treasury yields after the CPI report, are providing support to the index. However, its advancement is being constrained by weaknesses in several tech-related components.
The Nasdaq Composite remains under pressure, down 0.02% to 22,593.17. The tech-heavy index is being dragged lower by a continued selloff in major AI-exposed names like Nvidia (-1.6%) and Apple. Investors are rotating out of the sector amid worries that AI could disrupt software makers' business models.
The S&P 500 is trading marginally higher by 0.24% to 6,849.19. Gains in defensive sectors like Utilities (+1.5%) and Consumer Staples (+0.9%) are offsetting steep declines in the information technology sector. The broad index is still on pace for a weekly loss of more than 1%.
The NYSE Composite is showing relative strength, rising 0.54% to 23,312.89. The advance is supported by a rally in smaller caps, with the Russell 2000 index climbing over 1.2%, and strength in industrial names as investors seek refuge from tech volatility.
Wall Street opened with little direction after the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose just 0.2% in January, bringing the annual rate to a cooler-than-expected 2.4%. Core inflation fell to 2.5%, its lowest level since 2021. While this has reinforced expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts later this year, likely starting in June, it has done little to calm market jitters over tech valuations. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note dropped to 4.07% following the report.
Precious metals are staging a strong recovery from recent sell-offs, while Bitcoin remains under pressure below the $68,000 mark.
| Asset | Current Price (Spot) | Daily Change | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold | $5,008.72 | +$81.00 | +1.76% |
| Silver | $77.29 | +$2.13 | +2.83% |
| Bitcoin (BTC) | $66,867.10 | -$1,354.74 | -2.03% |
Fears that artificial intelligence will disrupt revenue potential in various industries continue to rattle the market. Investors are reportedly worried that AI may replace software makers rather than just augmenting them, leading to a sharp rotation out of technology stocks. This "AI fear" has widened beyond tech this week, impacting real estate, financial services, and media stocks.
The market is caught between two opposing forces: positive macroeconomic data (cooling inflation) and sector-specific turmoil (AI-led tech rout). This dynamic is fueling a flight to safety. Gold is rebounding strongly, up 1.76% to $5,008.72, driven by softer inflation data which reinforces expectations for Fed rate cuts, and safe-haven demand amid tech stock volatility. Due to a combination of industrial demand and retail bargain buying, silver is outperforming, rising 2.83% to $77.29. On the other hand, analysts say that Bitcoin has entered a "liquidity trap zone" with immediate support near $60,000, and it is still subject to the risk-off sentiment in the IT sector. As a result, it has dropped about 6% this week and 2.03% today to $66,867.10.
A. While the cooling CPI report is positive for Fed policy, it is being overshadowed by a sharp rotation out of technology stocks amid "AI disruption fears."
A. Gold is rallying on safe-haven demand and expected rate cuts, while Bitcoin remains under pressure as a risk asset tied to the tech selloff.
A. The selloff is driven by "AI angst," with investors worried that AI could disrupt, rather than just augment, the profit models of major software companies.
A. The cooler inflation data has solidified expectations that the Federal Reserve will restart interest rate cuts, likely starting in June.
Cisco plummeted 12% on weak guidance, making it a major loser, while Applied Materials jumped 11% on strong earnings, bucking the tech trend.
Silver is posting stronger gains, up 2.83%, supported by a mix of retail bargain buying and positive industrial demand cues.
The Russell 2000 index is up over 1.2% as investors rotate out of megacap tech names and into more domestically focused small caps, which are seen as beneficiaries of a stabilizing rate environment and a resilient economy.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The Sunday Guardian suggests that readers consult with a certified financial advisor before making any investment or money-related decisions. The stock market involves significant risk.
