Stock Market News Today, 5/30/25 – Futures Dip Ahead of Key Inflation Data

U.S. stock futures edged lower on Friday as investors awaited the release of the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index, the Federal Reserve’s preferred measure of inflation. Market sentiment was also hurt by renewed trade policy uncertainty. Futures on the Nasdaq 100 (NDX), the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA), and the S&P 500 (SPX) were down 0.26%, 0.12%, and 0.2%, respectively, at 4:03 a.m. EST, May 30.

The Court of International Trade blocked most of President Trump’s tariffs on Wednesday night. However, on Thursday afternoon, a U.S. appeals court issued a stay, allowing the tariffs to stay in place until the following week. This back-and-forth has made investors uncertain about the future of international trade.

During Thursday’s regular trading session, the major indices recorded modest gains. The Dow Jones, the S&P 500, and the Nasdaq Composite (NDAQ) rose by 0.28%, 0.4%, and 0.39%, respectively. Chipmaker Nvidia (NVDA) drove the upside as it surpassed earnings estimates due to strong demand for its AI chips, even with existing export limitations to China.

In after-hours trading, Gap (GAP) fell by 15% following a weaker-than-anticipated revenue outlook for the second quarter. In contrast, Dell Technologies (DELL) rose 2% after reporting first-quarter sales that beat expectations. Also, Ulta Beauty (ULTA) stock surged 8% on the back of strong first-quarter results.

It must be noted that the stock market is on track to finish May with major gains. The S&P 500 has risen by over 6% this month, the Nasdaq Composite has surged by 10%, and the Dow has gained nearly 4%.

Looking ahead, investors are awaiting the PCE price index report for further clues about the central bank’s monetary policy decisions. The core PCE price index for April, which excludes food and energy, is expected to inch up by 0.1% from the previous month’s flat reading.

Meanwhile, the U.S. 10-year treasury yield was up, floating near 4.432%. Simultaneously, WTI crude oil futures are trending higher, hovering near $61.07 per barrel as of the last check.

Elsewhere, European indices were near the flatline today, as investors grappled with ongoing uncertainty over the U.S. trade war and its long-term impact on markets.

Asia-Pacific Markets Ended Lower Today

Asia-Pacific indices were in the red today, reflecting investor concerns over a slowing U.S. economy, inflation risks, and uncertainty about Trump’s tariffs.

At the same time, the Hong Kong index was down 1.37%. Further, China’s Shanghai Composite and Shenzhen Component indices closed lower by 0.47% and 0.85%, respectively. Also, Japan’s Nikkei and Topix indices declined 1.22% and 0.37%, respectively.

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