Apple's 2.2% Gain Drives U.S. Stock Market Rally

The U.S. stock market started the week with a notable upward trend, driven primarily by Apple's strong performance. This rally was fueled by discussions between U.S. President Trump and Apple CEO Tim Cook, as well as the temporary suspension of tariffs on certain electronic products. The S&P 500 index rose by 0.8%, while the Nasdaq 100 index increased by 0.6%. These gains, though modest, represented a significant easing compared to the previous week's volatility.

Apple's stock price climbed by 2.2%, following Trump's statement that he had recently done a favor for Tim Cook and the entire business. Other major tech stocks also saw early gains but later retreated, giving back most of their initial increases. Investors shifted towards defensive sectors in the afternoon, focusing on real estate, utilities, and healthcare stocks.

Despite the positive market sentiment, the Trump administration downplayed the significance of the tariff exemptions, warning that tariffs on a range of high-tech products would still be imposed as part of the broader trade policy overhaul. This lack of clarity and the prospect of industry-specific tariffs in the near future are limiting further market gains. The current relief is real but fragile, heavily dependent on the next phase of U.S. tariff policy.