The S&P 500 maintained its record position while investors analyzed positive inflation data against conflicting corporate reports during Thursday’s trading session.
The S&P 500 index increased 0.2% during midday trading while the Nasdaq gained 0.2% and the Dow experienced a minimal decline of 18 points. Oracle led gains, jumping over 13% after beating earnings estimates and projecting sharply higher revenue growth next fiscal year. CEO Safra Catz said the company expects a major boost from cloud demand.
The market experienced negative sentiment when Boeing stock dropped 5.6% following an Air India 787 Dreamliner crash that killed 242 people shortly after takeoff. The investigation into the plane crash continues while the manufacturer faces additional recent operational challenges.
The bond market provided market support when Treasury yields decreased following wholesale inflation data which fell below expectations. The recent inflation data combined with low consumer inflation rates during the week supports the Federal Reserve’s potential decision to start reducing interest rates this year.
Still, policymakers remain cautious. The Federal Reserve maintained its interest rate stability throughout 2025 because of President Trump’s tariffs which raised concerns about economic growth and inflation. The central bankers avoid quick rate reductions because they want to prevent price increases while also supporting economic growth through lower interest rates.
