Wednesday’s big stock stories: What’s likely to move the market in the next trading session


 

Wednesday’s Big Stock Stories: What’s Likely to Move the Market in the Next Trading Session

The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite closed higher on Tuesday as traders awaited Trump's tariffs. Here's what's on Orlowski Financial Counsel's radar going into Wednesday.

April 16, 2025
By Steven Orlowski, CFP, CNPR - Orlowski Financial Counsel

Wall Street’s major indexes edged higher on Tuesday, with the S&P 500 gaining 0.28% and the Nasdaq Composite advancing 0.45%, as investors showed cautious optimism ahead of a potential policy pivot from former President Donald Trump. With tariffs back in the political spotlight, traders are bracing for what could be a volatile midweek session. Here’s what Orlowski Financial Counsel is watching heading into Wednesday.

1. Trade Tensions Back in Play

Markets are closely eyeing former President Trump's proposed tariffs, which he has suggested could be reimposed if he regains office in November. While the policies aren’t imminent, investors are beginning to price in the potential impact on global trade—particularly with China and Mexico. Multinational manufacturers, automakers, and consumer goods companies are likely to remain under pressure, and we expect defensive sectors like utilities and health care to see relative inflows as a hedge against macro uncertainty.

2. Earnings Season Heats Up

Corporate earnings continue to roll in, with key reports from Netflix (NFLX), UnitedHealth Group (UNH), and Procter & Gamble (PG) scheduled for Wednesday. After several quarters of cost-cutting and margin stabilization, the focus now shifts to top-line growth and forward guidance. For tech-heavy names, any sign of deceleration in subscription or ad revenue could ripple through the Nasdaq.

We’re especially watching financials, which have outperformed in recent weeks. Strong loan growth and widening net interest margins could fuel continued momentum if regional bank earnings beat expectations.

3. Fed Speak and Inflation Expectations

Federal Reserve officials will be on the speaking circuit again Wednesday, and markets will be parsing every word for signs of policy direction. Despite last week’s hotter-than-expected CPI print, futures markets are still pricing in a potential rate cut by the September FOMC meeting. However, if Fed officials remain hawkish, we could see a short-term pullback in rate-sensitive sectors like real estate and tech.

Watch the 10-year Treasury yield closely—if it climbs back above 4.5%, equity valuations could come under renewed pressure.

4. Oil Prices and the Middle East

Crude prices remain volatile as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East simmer. WTI crude hovered near $86/barrel on Tuesday, and any further escalation could send energy stocks higher while weighing on transportation and logistics companies. Investors with exposure to airlines or retailers may want to hedge short-term fuel risk.

5. AI and Tech: Rotation or Resurgence?

After a massive run-up in late 2024, artificial intelligence stocks have cooled in recent weeks. But chipmakers like Nvidia (NVDA) and AMD (AMD) saw renewed buying on Tuesday, with investors betting on stronger-than-expected data center demand. The sector remains crowded, but any surprise earnings beats could spark another wave of FOMO-driven buying.

Bottom Line

Markets remain in a delicate balance—buoyed by strong earnings and resilient consumer spending, yet challenged by geopolitical uncertainty and sticky inflation. At Orlowski Financial Counsel, we are emphasizing diversified exposure, defensive sectors, and selective growth names with strong fundamentals heading into Wednesday’s trading session.

Stay tuned. The week is just heating up.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

3 Big Energy Stocks Offering Strong Dividends Amid Volatility

Image
3 Big Energy Stocks Offering Strong Dividends Amid Volatility By Steven Orlowski, CFP, CNPR In a market marked by persistent uncertainty, rising interest rates, and geopolitical tensions, income investors are seeking stability and yield in all the right places. One sector continues to stand out: energy. While oil and gas prices remain volatile, the long-term demand outlook and disciplined capital strategies have turned several major energy companies into dividend powerhouses. Here are three energy giants offering robust dividend yields and resilient fundamentals, making them attractive options for investors seeking income and relative stability in turbulent times. 1. ExxonMobil (NYSE: XOM) Dividend Yield: ~3.4% Market Cap: $470+ billion ExxonMobil is one of the largest integrated oil and gas companies in the world. Its scale, upstream and downstream operations, and global reach offer a level of diversification that helps buffer against short-term price swings. In recent year...
Read more

Stocks making the biggest moves midday: Eli Lilly, Alphabet, Hertz, UnitedHealth and more

Image
  Stocks Making the Biggest Moves Midday: Eli Lilly, Alphabet, Hertz, UnitedHealth, and More ​ As of midday on Thursday, April 17, 2025, U.S. stock markets exhibited mixed performance, with significant movements in several key stocks. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped nearly 400 points, primarily due to a sharp decline in UnitedHealth Group shares. Conversely, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite showed modest gains. ​ Eli Lilly (LLY) – Soaring on Weight-Loss Pill Success Eli Lilly's stock surged by up to 17% following the announcement of successful phase-three trial results for its new weight-loss pill, orforglipron. This once-daily oral medication demonstrated effectiveness comparable to injectable alternatives like Novo Nordisk's Ozempic, leading to an average weight loss of 16 pounds (about 8% of body weight) and a reduction in A1C levels by 1.3% to 1.6%. The promising results have investors optimistic about the drug's potential market impact. ​ United...
Read more

Stock Spotlight – Stock of the Week: UnitedHealth: Where Does the Company Stand After the Storm?

Image
  Stock Spotlight – Stock of the Week: UnitedHealth: Where Does the Company Stand After the Storm? UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), a cornerstone of the American healthcare industry, has weathered its share of challenges over the past year. From regulatory pressures and increased utilization costs to a rapidly evolving competitive landscape, investors have had plenty to digest. But as the dust settles, one question remains: Where does UnitedHealth stand now—and is it still a buy? A Quick Look Back: Navigating Headwinds 2024 was a turbulent year for UnitedHealth. The company faced mounting pressure from multiple fronts: Rising medical costs , particularly in its Medicare Advantage segment, dented margins. Regulatory scrutiny intensified, especially around pharmacy benefit management (PBM) practices and alleged anti-competitive behavior. The change in utilization patterns , with more seniors returning to in-person care post-pandemic, increased short-term claims expenses. ...
Read more