Save from as low as €40 per month Change modify pause
General market commentary
Equity markets ended lower on Friday as investor sentiment was dampened by news that the White House would impose fresh tariffs on Canadian, Mexican, and Chinese imports. The Dow fell 0.75%, the S&P 500 lost 0.5%, and the Nasdaq slipped over 0.25%. Uncertainty surrounding the economic impact of these tariffs added to concerns about inflation and the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy outlook. Despite this, some analysts believe the tariffs may be short-lived, serving more as a negotiation tactic than a long-term policy shift.
Beyond the day’s losses, corporate earnings remain a key driver of market sentiment, with the S&P 500 on track for its strongest earnings growth since 2021. While technology shares have seen some volatility—partly due to competition concerns from Chinese AI firms—financial and industrial sectors have outperformed in recent months, signalling a broadening market rally. The outlook for equities remains positive, with expectations of continued earnings expansion and pro-growth policies providing support.
The broader economic picture remains stable, with Q4 GDP growing at an annualised 2.3%, fuelled by strong consumer spending. The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady last week, acknowledging slowing disinflation but maintaining a cautious approach to rate cuts. With inflation still above target, monetary easing is likely to be gradual, but the expected end of quantitative tightening should help stabilise bond yields and ease financial conditions. A combination of lower interest rates, resilient employment, and broadening earnings growth should sustain economic expansion and support a diversified market rally.
Latest market and economic update
Equities on the move
The following companies experienced moves in their share price driven by analyst ratings, quarterly earnings, or other news:
Upcoming data and events
In the week ahead, U.S. markets will focus on the jobs report and ISM PMIs, while major earnings from Amazon, Alphabet, PepsiCo, AMD, and Walt Disney take center stage. In Europe, attention will be on Eurozone inflation, global PMIs, and the BoE’s expected rate cut, alongside key corporate earnings.
For more information visit https://cc.com.mt/. The information, view and opinions provided in this article are being provided solely for educational and informational purposes and should not be construed as investment advice, advice concerning investments or investment decisions, or tax or legal advice.
Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is being provided solely for educational and informational purposes and should not be construed as investment advice, advice concerning particular investments or investment decisions, or tax or legal advice. Similarly, any views or opinions expressed on this website are not intended and should not be construed as being investment, tax or legal advice or recommendations. Investment advice should always be based on the particular circumstances of the person to whom it is directed, which circumstances have not been taken into consideration by the persons expressing the views or opinions appearing on this website. Calamatta Cuschieri Investment Services Ltd has not verified and consequently neither warrants the accuracy nor the veracity of any information, views, or opinions appearing on this website. You should always take professional investment advice in connection with, or independently research and verify, any information that you find or views or opinions which you read on our website and wish to rely upon, whether for the purpose of making an investment decision or otherwise. CC does not accept liability for losses suffered by persons as a result of information, views, or opinions appearing on this website.
Calamatta Cuschieri Investment Services Ltd is licensed to conduct investment services business under the Investments Services Act by the MFSA and is also registered as a Tied Insurance Intermediary under the Insurance Distribution Act.
You are signing up to receive news, updates, general market announcement, articles and product or service marketing. By signing up you are consenting to our privacy policy and can unsubscribe at any time.