Overview

• The S&P 500 rose 0.7% on Friday, marking a 4.6% gain for the week, while the Nasdaq surged 6.7%, led by robust performances from tech giants Alphabet and Nvidia.
• Alphabet's Q1 earnings exceeded expectations, with a 12% revenue jump and a $70 billion stock buyback announcement, boosting its stock by 1.5% Friday.
• President Trump claimed progress in U.S.-China trade talks, but Beijing denied active negotiations, maintaining uncertainty over tariff reductions.
• Several companies, including Southwest Airlines and Skechers, withdrew annual financial forecasts, citing volatility tied to evolving trade policies.
• Despite strong weekly gains, market sentiment remains cautious, as mixed corporate earnings and unclear trade developments continue to drive volatility.