S&P 500 indicates a significant shift in market sentiment, as it successfully broke a four-week losing streak. On March 20, 2025, the index closed slightly higher by 0.1%, marking a weekly gain of 0.5% . This rebound is particularly noteworthy given the backdrop of volatility characterized by trade policy uncertainties and recession fears that have plagued investors in recent weeks. The decline in major technology stocks had previously weighed heavily on market performance; however, their recovery played a critical role in offsetting losses from other sectors .
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI) edged above the flat line while the S&P 500 (^GSPC) rose 0.1%. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC) gained 0.5%. All three major averages fell by nearly 1% earlier in the session.
Nasdaq, both of which entered correction territory during a downbeat start to 2025, snapped four-week losing streaks.
Stocks came off their session lows after Trump said, "I don't change. But the word 'flexibility' is an important word," in response to the question of a retaliatory tariff plan expected on April 2.
The Nasdaq composite picked up steam and closed 0.5% higher. But all three major indexes still remain below their 200-day moving averages.
Small caps were about status quo in the final hour, with the Russell 2000 closing down almost 0.6%, but much improved from a loss as big as 1.6% earlier in the session.
NYSE compared to the same time Thursday, in preliminary numbers. On the Nasdaq exchange, falling stocks topped rising issues by around 3-to-2, while losers beat gainers by around 2-to-1 on the NYSE.
A survey of money managers from Bank of America this week showed that institutional investors are pulling out of U.S. equities in favor of more stable geographic regions.
Even generally bullish market analysts are striking a note of caution given the mounting uncertainty caused by Mr. Trump's economic policies. 
Despite this positive turn for the S&P 500, broader concerns about inflation and disappointing earnings reports from companies such as Nike and FedEx continue to loom large . These firms cited lowered sales expectations primarily due to adverse effects stemming from ongoing trade tensions and tariff-related challenges. Furthermore, while the Federal Reserve's decision to maintain its benchmark interest rate provided temporary relief to markets mid-week, investor confidence remains fragile amid these economic uncertainties . Thus, while the end of the losing streak offers a glimmer of hope for traders and investors alike, significant risks still threaten sustained market stability.
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