📈 July 17, 2025 (Thu) – “New Highs Across the Board: Data & Earnings Power Market Rally” 🎯

Robust retail sales and strong corporate earnings propelled Wall Street to fresh record highs, with retail and industrial activity confirming continued economic strength. Markets shrugged off Powell‑Trump tensions.

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📊 Market Snapshot

• Nasdaq: 20,885.65 (+0.75%)
• S&P 500: 6,297.36 (+0.54%)
• Dow Jones: 44,484.49 (+0.52%)
• USD/KRW: ₩1,391.60 (−0.04%)
  

Markets closed higher: Nasdaq and S&P both hit new all-time highs on strong macro indicators and earnings tailwinds, while the dollar eased amid calmer political headlines.
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📰 Top 5+ News Highlights

1. 🛍️ Retail Sales & Philly Fed Surprise to the Upside

• June retail sales rose 0.6% MoM (vs. 0.2% expected), marking a solid rebound after May's decline.
• The Philly Fed index surprised positively, indicating strong business conditions.
  Reuters

2. 🤖 AI & Chip Sector Drive Nasdaq Higher

• TSMC reported record profits, lifting chipmakers globally—including Nvidia (+1%). This extended the Nasdaq’s record‑setting path (six of last seven sessions).
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3. 🏭 Corporate Earnings: PepsiCo, United Airlines Shine

• PepsiCo jumped ~7.5% thanks to rosy results and upbeat guidance.
• United Airlines climbed 3.1% on robust demand forecasts.
  Reuters+15AP News+15Reuters+15

4. 💵 Dollar Eases, Bond Yields Stabilize

• Treasury yields slightly declined (~10‑year at ~4.45%) amid calmer sentiment.
• The dollar softened after Powell‑related rumors cooled.
  Babypips.com위키백과+5Reuters+5Reuters+5

5. 💼 Trump-Powell Tension Fades

• Rumors about Trump ousting Powell caused midday volatility, but quickly reversed as markets absorbed assurances.
  타임스+8Reuters+8Edward Jones+8

6. 💵 Corporate Buybacks Boost Confidence

• U.S. firms are expected to repurchase ~$1T in 2025, providing steady support to valuations—especially in July, historically strong for markets.
  Reuters+8Reuters+8Edward Jones+8

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🔮 What’s Ahead – Key Dates

DateEventWhy It Matters

Jul 23	June U.S. PPI release	Further insight on inflation trends
Late July	Fed speeches (e.g., Christopher Waller)	Clarity on rate cut timing and policy
Aug 1	Target date for U.S. tariff implementation	Trade risk and global export implications
Ongoing	Q2 earnings, buyback updates	Market sentiment sustainers

 

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💡 Investment Strategy & Outlook

✅ Market View

• This rally is backed by resilient consumer spending, broad-based earnings strength, and mega-cap tech-led momentum.
• Inflation and trade policy remain watch‑points, but markets currently appear optimistic.

📌 Tactical Moves

1. Stay overweight on Tech & Chips
   • Focused exposure in Nvidia, AMD, TSMC-driven AI themes continues to favor momentum plays.
2. Ride Consumer and Travel Rebound
   • Companies like PepsiCo and United Airlines may capitalize on shifting consumer and travel trends.
3. Follow Buyback Flows
   • Monitor buyback announcements for mid‑cap to large-cap support.
4. Prepare for Inflation Signals
   • Position defensively with Treasury bonds or gold ahead of PPI release.
5. Monitor Trade Policy Risks
   • Reassess export-heavy or tariff-sensitive names as Aug 1 approaches.

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📝 Final Thoughts

On July 17, Wall Street charted a confident path forward, buoyed by strong fundamentals and corporate performance. The resilience of consumer spending and the vitality of AI-driven sectors reinforce the bullish case, even as Trump-Fed headlines briefly resurfaced.

As we head toward key inflation data, Fed commentary, and tariff deadlines, maintaining a selective and flexible portfolio—balanced between growth and defensives—remains essential.

Wishing you sharp insights and a thriving close to your week! 🙌