Mixed Movement in U.S. Stocks Amid Trade Talks and Healthcare Stock Declines

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Apr 17, 2025
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On Thursday, U.S. stock indices showed mixed results with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq rising slightly, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell, impacted by UnitedHealth Group's (UNH, Financial) disappointing financial forecast. The Dow dropped over 480 points, whereas the Nasdaq and S&P 500 rose by 0.1% and 0.2%, respectively. The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index fell marginally by 0.03%.

Pre-market futures showed narrowed gains due to various factors, including U.S. President Trump's criticism of Federal Reserve Chairman Powell and a steep drop in healthcare stocks. European markets, represented by the Stoxx 600, experienced a 0.4% decline as the ECB implemented an expected rate cut.

In the bond market, U.S. 10-year Treasury yields fell due to a robust labor market, while TSMC's (TSM) bullish revenue forecast boosted Nasdaq futures. UnitedHealth (UNH, Financial) shares plunged 21% pre-market after reducing its annual financial forecast, influencing other healthcare stocks like Elevance (ELV) and CVS Health (CVS) to also decline. In contrast, Eli Lilly (LLY) surged due to promising weight-loss drug trial data.

Disclosures

I/We may personally own shares in some of the companies mentioned above. However, those positions are not material to either the company or to my/our portfolios.