U.S. equity futures signaled a potential breather for stocks after an exhilarating first half of 2025 that extended market gains into record territory. As the calendar flips to July, the Dow Jones Industrial AverageDJIA pointed lower following robust advances over the past six months.
Record First-Half Market Performance
The S&P 500 and tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite each rallied 5.5% in the first half, while the DJIA gained 3.6%. All three major indexes notched consecutive monthly advances to cap a sizzling first half at or near all-time highs.
Tesla Shares Reconsider After Trump Comments
Meanwhile, Tesla shares retreated after comments by former President Donald Trump, reversing momentum that had followed CEO Elon Musk’s optimism on future products. The electric vehicle maker’s stock initially jumped on Musk’s remarks but now faces scrutiny after Trump cast doubt on its growth trajectory.
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Fed Rhetoric Eyed for Policy Insights
Looking ahead, market participants eagerly await remarks from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell for potential clues on the path forward for boosted market sentiment, geopolitical developments now leave markets sensitive to further trade frictions or tariff threats.
As the third quarter commences, market catalysts spanning economic data, corporate profits, and policy updates will shape investor sentiment and dictate risk appetite in the months ahead.
