U.S. Stocks Surge as China Trade Talks Ignite Market Fireworks

Market Opens with a Bang

Boom! U.S. stocks soared on Wednesday, shaking off the shackles of recent downturns as whispers of U.S.-China trade talks sent investors into a frenzy. The S&P 500 blasted off by 0.32% right out of the gate, snapping back after days of being dragged down.

Nasdaq and Dow Join the Rally

The Nasdaq wasn't left behind, climbing 0.29%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average skyrocketed more than 200 points at the open. Eyes were glued to screens as traders awaited the Federal Reserve's next move on interest rates, set to drop later in the day.

End of a Losing Streak?

The big three U.S. indices looked poised to shatter a two-day losing streak, as the market's cautious mood was pierced by the news of upcoming U.S.-China trade powwows. Futures linked to these giants soared as investors cheered the potential for a breakthrough.

Trade Talks: Hope or Hype?

Stocks have ridden the rollercoaster of U.S.-China trade talk hype before, and analysts are craving some real clarity. But with the likelihood of major developments in the coming weeks looking slim, the initial excitement has been tempered.

Investors on Tariff Watch

With all eyes on the tariff tug-of-war, investors are ready to pounce on any new developments.

April Jobs Report: A Silver Lining?

The latest from the Bureau of Labor Statistics brought some good news - 177,000 new jobs in April, smashing expectations of 138,000, while unemployment stayed steady at 4.2%. A solid month, yet the shadow of tariff tensions looms large.

Expert Insight: Tariffs First

Robert Kaplan, the bigwig from Goldman Sachs and former Dallas Fed prez, dropped some truth bombs on CNBC’s 'Squawk Box', saying the tariff mess needs to be cleaned up before the U.S. economy can really start to rev up again.

Fed Watch: All Eyes on Powell

The market's next big drama? The Federal Reserve wrapping up its two-day meeting on May 7. Investors are on the edge of their seats for the Fed's policy verdict and what Fed Chair Jerome Powell has to say.

Will Rates Stay Put?

With a 96% chance the central bank will keep rates steady, the real show is what Powell will spill about the U.S. economy's health and where the Fed sees interest rates heading next.