Markets closed out the week on solid footing, with strong earnings from tech giants and rising momentum in the crypto sector helping offset anxiety over U.S.-China trade tensions. The rally reflects investor confidence in corporate resilience, even as the geopolitical backdrop remains fraught with uncertainty.
The S&P 500 advanced by 0.5%, while the Nasdaq Composite rallied by 0.9%, outperforming broader markets. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell slightly, declining by 47 points, or 0.1%, weighed down by lackluster industrial and consumer discretionary performance.
A standout earnings report from Alphabet lifted overall sentiment. The tech heavyweight delivered $90.23 billion in revenue and earnings per share of $2.81, blowing past analyst forecasts. Alphabet’s strong results reinforced the market’s belief that the digital advertising rebound is still gaining steam.
Tesla also enjoyed an impressive rally, rising almost 10% on the week. CEO Elon Musk’s announcement of stepping away from his DOGE-related role at the U.S. government eased investor concerns over potential distractions. Additionally, new Department of Transportation rules appeared to boost Tesla’s self-driving initiatives, providing another catalyst for the stock.
Bitcoin’s Momentum Builds as Equities Rebound
The S&P 500 rose by more than 4% for the week, the Nasdaq surged over 6%, and the Dow Jones managed a solid 2% climb. These gains reflect robust corporate fundamentals and easing fears of a steep global slowdown.
Bitcoin mirrored the broader risk-on environment, posting a 1.6% gain — its best weekly showing since November. The leading cryptocurrency is now gearing up for a critical retest of the $100,000 level, backed by growing interest from institutional investors and robust on-chain metrics.
However, volatility still looms large. President Trump’s unpredictable stance on trade negotiations with China — oscillating between conciliatory language and tariff threats — keeps markets cautious. Analysts warn that another round of tariff escalations could unsettle equities and crypto alike, despite the current rally.
Still, investors seem willing to look through the noise, focusing instead on strong earnings, cooling inflation data, and improving liquidity conditions, which continue to underpin bullish momentum across risk assets.