S&P 500 Catches its Longest Winning Run Since January

S&P 500 Catches its Longest Winning Run Since January

The S&P 500 (^GSPC) closed out its longest winning streak since January 2025 on Friday, extending its four-day rally. The index gained 0.7% to close at 5,234. This positive momentum was driven by a mix of factors, including President Trump's latest comments on tariffs and the potential easing of self-driving technology rules in the US [1].

Big Tech stocks led the charge, with AI chip maker Nvidia (NVDA) rising nearly 4% and EV maker Tesla (TSLA) jumping nearly 10%. Trump's comments on tariffs and the potential easing of rules around self-driving technology boosted investor sentiment, particularly for tech stocks [1]. Additionally, Alphabet (GOOG, GOOGL) saw its stock rise after the company beat earnings and announced a dividend hike and a $70 billion stock buyback [1].

The S&P 500's rally comes amidst a backdrop of high uncertainty, with volatility persisting and risks of further downside. LPL Research noted that the S&P 500's long-term uptrend remains intact despite a 16% decline. The market's recent intense selling likely marked a capitulation event, suggesting a potential low [2]. However, the firm also warned that volatility may persist and that the S&P 500 could retest its low around 4,835 [2].

Investors should stay the course, according to Rick Gardner, chief investment officer at RGA Investments. He advised not to panic in the face of heightened volatility and to use pullbacks as opportunities [2].

Despite the recent volatility, some stocks have emerged as winners. Dollar General (DG) and Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) were among the top performers in March, with gains of 18.5% and 16.2%, respectively [3]. Dollar General's initiatives to restore growth and improve profitability are paying off, while Huntington Ingalls Industries benefited from President Trump's plan to revitalize U.S. shipbuilding [3].

References:
[1] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/live/stock-market-today-dow-falls-sp-500-nasdaq-gain-to-extend-3-day-surge-133034309.html
[2] https://www.businessinsider.com/stock-market-outlook-sp500-chart-technical-analysis-selloff-rally-2025-4
[3] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/were-2-top-performing-stocks-112300375.html