Fresh news and strategies for traders. SPY Trader episode #1134. Hey everyone, it's your pal, Barry Bonds Trader, here for another edition of Spy Trader! It's 6 am on Thursday, May 1st, 2025, and let's dive into what's moving the markets today. Yesterday was a mixed bag, folks. The Dow and S&P 500 kept their winning streaks alive, but the Nasdaq took a little dip. It's been a bit of a seesaw lately, with the S&P 500 finally climbing over 3% this week after some recent wobbles. Even though the US500 is still down 4.28% since the start of the year, things are looking brighter. Speaking of wobbles, that GDP report came out showing the economy actually shrank by 0.3% in the first quarter. Yikes! But, hey, investors didn't seem too fazed. The S&P 500 managed a small gain, closing at 5,569, and the Dow Jones popped up to 40,669. The Nasdaq, well, it took a tiny hit. Now, let's talk sectors. Cyclical sectors like materials and financials were shining stars yesterday. Tech and healthcare are expected to post the biggest earnings growth this quarter. Keep your eyes peeled for those sector movers, they'll tell us where the smart money is flowing. What's making headlines? Well, futures are up this morning thanks to some stellar earnings reports from Microsoft and Meta Platforms. Also, the U.S. is giving the auto industry a break on tariffs, which is a nice little boost. And that inflation number we've all been watching? The Fed's preferred measure slowed down to 2.3% in March, which is good news. Remember that GDP contraction? EY slashed their growth forecast for the next couple of years because of it. They're now predicting 1.1% growth for both 2025 and 2026. Something to keep in mind. We're also expecting to see a drop in nonfarm payrolls, so keep an eye on that data. Consumer spending is still projected to grow, but at a slower pace of 1.7% in 2025. And those trade policy changes? They're still sending ripples through the global economy, so stay informed. Earnings season is in full swing. We're watching the Magnificent Seven companies closely, especially Tesla and Alphabet. Adani Enterprises, Jaiprakash Power, and Adani Ports also have results coming up, so keep an eye on them if you follow those companies. So, what's Barry Bonds Trader's advice? Be careful out there! The economy is sending mixed signals. Focus on companies with strong earnings, especially in tech and healthcare. Keep a close watch on those macroeconomic numbers coming out, like the jobs report and inflation data. And maybe consider adding some defensive stocks to your portfolio, like consumer staples, just in case those recession fears start to bubble up again. Diversify your investments, and stay informed about trade negotiations and policy changes. Remember, this isn't financial advice, just my two cents. Always talk to a professional before making any big moves. Oh, and before I forget, here's a little something to brighten your day: Why did the stock go on a date with gold? Because paper doesn't always have good value! That's all for today, folks. Happy trading, and I'll catch you on the next Spy Trader!