U.S. stock market today: Dow Jones gains, S&P 500 steady, Nasdaq falls; Intel surges, Tesla plummets as retail sales miss estimates & Fed meeting looms

Why is the U.S. stock market struggling to find stability?

Wall Street has been grappling with several headwinds. The S&P 500 recently entered correction territory, marking a decline of more than 10% from its recent high. The Dow also posted its worst weekly performance since March 2023. The biggest culprits? Economic slowdown fears and the unpredictability of Trump’s trade policies.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent added fuel to the fire on Sunday. Speaking on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” he dismissed concerns over the recent market slump, stating that «corrections are healthy.» However, his remark that there are «no guarantees» the U.S. will avoid a recession rattled investors.

What does the latest retail sales data reveal?

Retail sales—a crucial indicator of consumer spending—came in weaker than expected. February sales rose just 0.2%, falling short of the 0.6% estimate. Even worse, January’s 0.9% decline was revised down to a steeper 1.2% drop. This signals potential cracks in consumer demand, raising concerns about broader economic health.

How did the Federal Reserve’s manufacturing report impact markets?

The New York Fed’s business conditions index fell sharply in March, plunging from 5.7 in February to -20. A drop of this magnitude underscores the challenges manufacturers face, further heightening fears of an economic slowdown.

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Will the Federal Reserve’s decision influence market direction?

The Federal Reserve kicks off its two-day policy meeting on Tuesday. While rates are expected to remain unchanged, investors will scrutinize any commentary regarding future rate cuts. With inflation still a concern and economic indicators flashing mixed signals, the Fed’s stance could significantly impact market