Market Rollercoaster: April Recap

Fresh news and strategies for traders. SPY Trader episode #1123. Hey everyone, it's your pal, Digger Dividend, here for another Spy Trader podcast! It's 6 pm on Friday, April 25th, 2025, Pacific Time, and we're diving into the week's financial headlines. What do you call an aggressive investor? Bulldozer. Let's get started! Okay, so the market's been a bit of a rollercoaster, but we're seeing some signs of recovery after a shaky start to the month. On April 25th, the Dow closed at 40,114, up a tiny bit, the S&P 500 jumped 0.7% to 5,525, and the Nasdaq really took off, rising 1.3%. For the week, the Nasdaq's up a solid 6.7%, the S&P 500 climbed 4.6%, and the Dow rose 2.5%. Still, keep in mind, the S&P 500 is down 6.06% since January 1st. Tech's been leading the charge, with Tesla and Nvidia really shining. The VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) had a great run, climbing 5% on April 24th. Alphabet, or Google, also saw its stock pop after reporting strong earnings. On the flip side, Intel's outlook wasn't so hot, and their stock took a hit. Also, Charter Communications gained after adding more mobile phone lines while TMobile US shares tumbled after adding fewer wireless customers than expected. Now, let's talk macro. Trade tensions, especially between the US and China, are still a big worry. Tariffs are still high, and folks are worried about economic growth slowing down. Some are even saying we might see 'stall speed' GDP growth later this year. Inflation's still a concern, but the Fed is expected to hold steady on interest rates. And get this, consumer sentiment is down to levels we haven't seen since the 80s! So, what's Digger digging up for recommendations? First, play it safe! Diversify your portfolio across different sectors. Consider defensive stocks like the ones in SCHD for stable dividends and bond ETFs like USVN for downside protection. Keep a close eye on those USChina trade talks and those important economic reports. Be cautious with growth stocks, especially those riding the AI wave and you might consider some gold as a safe haven. To recap, be ready for some more ups and downs in the market. Focus on the longterm game, and don't let those daily swings rattle you. This is Digger Dividend, signing off. Stay informed, stay diversified, and I'll catch you on the next Spy Trader!