🇺🇸 U.S. Economic & Stock Market Update – Friday, May 2, 2025

Wall Street Climbs for 9th Straight Day Amid Strong Jobs Data and Easing Trade Tensions

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📊 Market Closing Summary

• NASDAQ: 17,977.73 (+1.51%)
• S&P 500: 5,686.67 (+1.47%)
• Dow Jones Industrial Average: 41,317.43 (+1.36%)
• USD/KRW Exchange Rate: 1,402.50 KRW (–2.43%)야후 금융+7Wikipedia+7스펙트럼 로컬 뉴스+7Realtor

On May 2, 2025, U.S. stock markets continued their upward trajectory, marking the ninth consecutive day of gains—the longest winning streak since 2004. This rally was fueled by stronger-than-expected employment data and signs of easing trade tensions between the U.S. and China.스펙트럼 로컬 뉴스+1AP News+1

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📰 Key Developments

1. April Jobs Report Surpasses Expectations

The U.S. economy added 177,000 jobs in April, exceeding economists' forecasts of 130,000. The unemployment rate held steady at 4.2%, indicating a resilient labor market despite ongoing trade uncertainties. CBS 뉴스+2모닝스타+2Finance & Commerce+2

2. U.S.-China Trade Talks Show Signs of Progress

China has expressed willingness to re-engage in trade negotiations with the U.S., raising hopes for a de-escalation of the tariff war. Both nations have started to roll back certain tariffs, signaling a potential thaw in trade relations. Investopedia

3. Tech Stocks Lead Market Rally

Major tech companies, including Microsoft and Meta, reported robust first-quarter earnings, driven by significant investments in AI infrastructure. Their stock prices surged over 3%, propelling the broader market upward.

4. President Trump Downplays Recession Fears

President Donald Trump described the current economic phase as a "transition period," dismissing concerns about a short-term recession. He highlighted strong employment figures and urged the Federal Reserve to consider interest rate cuts to sustain growth. Reuters

5. Expiration of $800 Tariff Exemption Affects Consumers

Effective May 2, the U.S. ended the de minimis tariff exemption for imports valued under $800, impacting consumers purchasing goods from Chinese e-commerce platforms like Shein and Temu. This policy change is expected to increase costs for online shoppers. Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2

6. Amazon's Q1 Earnings Beat Expectations Amid Cautious Outlook

Amazon reported a 9% increase in revenue for the first quarter, surpassing analyst expectations. However, the company issued a cautious profit outlook for Q2, citing potential impacts from ongoing tariff policies. Investopedia

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🔮 Outlook & Upcoming Events

• May 3: Release of the full April employment report, providing further insights into labor market trends.모닝스타
• Mid-May: Anticipated resumption of formal trade negotiations between the U.S. and China, which could influence market dynamics and investor sentiment.

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💡 Investment Strategy Recommendations

• Increase Exposure to Technology Sector: Given the strong performance and earnings reports from major tech firms, investors might consider allocating more resources to this sector, particularly companies focusing on AI and cloud computing.
• Diversify with Defensive Stocks: To hedge against potential volatility, incorporating defensive stocks such as those in the healthcare and consumer staples sectors could provide stability.
• Monitor Currency Fluctuations: The significant movement in the USD/KRW exchange rate suggests a need for vigilance regarding currency risks, especially for investors with international exposure.

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📝 Conclusion

As we move into May, the U.S. stock market demonstrates robust momentum, buoyed by positive employment data and easing trade tensions. While optimism prevails, investors should remain attentive to upcoming economic reports and geopolitical developments that could influence market trajectories. A balanced and informed investment approach remains essential in navigating the evolving financial landscape.