Stock Market Update and May Outlook
At Prism Capital Management, we’re committed to keeping you informed about the latest market trends. Here’s a brief overview of how the markets performed in April and what we’re keeping an eye on as we move into May.
April Market Recap
The stock market delivered mixed results in April. After a strong start to 2025, investors experienced some pullback. Rising interest rates, inflation concerns, and new tariff announcements all contributed to a more volatile environment.
- The S&P 500 ended April slightly lower after reaching record highs earlier in the year.
- The Dow Jones Industrial Average also dipped modestly but remains positive year-to-date.
- The NASDAQ faced more pressure as technology stocks cooled off from their earlier momentum.
A major headline in April was the announcement of new tariffs from former President Trump on goods from China and other trading partners. This led to a market dip mid-month, as investors weighed the potential impact on corporate profits, supply chains, and consumer prices. While the broader economy remains strong, these new tariffs have introduced fresh uncertainty into the market.
Despite this, many companies reported strong first-quarter earnings, signaling that the underlying fundamentals of the economy remain healthy.
What to Watch in May
Several factors could influence the markets as we move into May:
- Federal Reserve Policy: Investors are watching closely for any updates on interest rates. Any shift in expectations could cause market movement.
- Economic Data: Reports on inflation, employment, and consumer spending will provide important insights into the health of the economy.
- Impact of Trump Tariffs: Markets will continue to digest the longer-term implications of the newly announced tariffs. Investors are particularly focused on how companies across different industries might adjust and how consumers might be affected.
Our Perspective
Short-term volatility is a normal part of investing. At Prism Capital Management, we remain focused on your long-term goals and building strategies designed to weather different market conditions. Staying diversified and committed to your investment plan continues to be the best course of action.
As always, if you have any questions about your portfolio or the market outlook, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here for you!
Financial Services for Real People
Founded for the benefit of clients, Prism Capital Management is an independent Seattle and Skagit-based firm with a deep commitment to providing guidance that is free of conflicts of interest, based solely on the sum of our experience and expertise. We are committed to putting client interests first and to stewarding both wealth and well-being for those we serve. We have a singular measure of success: the results we get for our clients.
As an Investment Advisor, we have a fiduciary duty to act in YOUR best interest. From planning to investment management to advice on buying a car, we are your financial life partners.