Stocks Surge Significantly Following Dovish Remarks from Fed Chair Powell

Stock Market Performance: Major U.S. stock indexes closed higher on Friday, with the Dow Jones reaching an all-time high, driven by expectations of a potential Federal Reserve rate cut following comments from Fed Chair Powell about rising employment risks.

Federal Reserve Insights: Powell indicated that the current economic conditions may necessitate adjustments to monetary policy, while Boston Fed President Collins expressed concerns about slowing growth and inflation risks, maintaining a cautiously hawkish stance.

Geopolitical Developments: U.S. Vice President Vance highlighted ongoing negotiations for peace in Ukraine, focusing on security guarantees and territorial issues, while President Trump announced expanded tariffs on steel and aluminum products.

Earnings Reports and Market Reactions: S&P 500 earnings for Q2 are projected to rise significantly, with many companies exceeding profit estimates; notable stock movements included gains in chipmakers and airlines, while Intuit and CSX Corp faced declines.