Investors Optimistic as U.S. Indexes Edge Up Ahead of Key Inflation Data Release
Major U.S. indexes saw a slight increase Tuesday as investors maintained a positive outlook in anticipation of important inflation data scheduled for release later this week.
Here’s a snapshot of some notable movers in the U.S. stock market today:
Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA) experienced a 0.6% decline, nearing a previous record high set earlier in March.
Micron Technology (NASDAQ:MU) surged over 2.5%, heading towards setting a new all-time high.
Super Micro Computer (NASDAQ:SMCI) saw a 2% increase, riding on optimism surrounding the AI-driven market rally.
United Parcel Service (NYSE:UPS) witnessed a 3% drop after projecting subdued 2026 revenue due to a focus on cost reduction and market share expansion efforts.
Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) shares climbed 6% following the announcement of a month-long free trial of its driver-assist technology, Full Self-Driving, for U.S. customers.
Ford (NYSE:F) experienced a slight 0.25% decline after reconfirming its annual core profit forecast, despite challenging economic conditions.
Boeing (NYSE:BA) shares slipped by 0.8% as they retraced gains from the previous day, triggered by management changes including the departure of CEO Dave Calhoun.
Krispy Kreme (DNUT) stocks surged by 27% after revealing plans for its products to be available in McDonald’s (NYSE:MCD) outlets nationwide by the end of 2026.
McCormick (NYSE:MKC) saw a 1% increase following better-than-expected first-quarter sales and profit due to sustained consumer demand for its premium spices amidst inflationary pressures.
Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ:VKTX) stock jumped by 25% after the company reported positive Phase 1 outcomes from its obesity drug.
Reddit (RDDT) shares rose by 12%, building on recent momentum post its successful market debut, with the introduction of options trading aiding the climb.
Trump Media & Technology Group (DJT) witnessed a substantial 40% increase after commencing trading on the Nasdaq post its merger with blank-check company Digital World Acquisition.
Spotify (NYSE:SPOT) saw a 2% rise after earning a place on a best ideas list by analysts at BofA.
Tesla Shares Rise After Elon Musk Announces Free Trial of Driver-Assist Technology
On Tuesday, shares of Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) increased by about 5% after CEO Elon Musk announced that the company would offer U.S. customers a free trial of its driver-assist technology for a month. Musk has been promoting the Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology as a potential revenue source for the company.
However, Tesla has failed to deliver on its promise of a fully autonomous driving experience due to regulatory and legal challenges regarding the safety and marketing of its vehicles.
Musk said in a post on social media platform X that “All U.S. cars that are capable of FSD will be enabled for a one-month trial this week.” In two emails, he also instructed employees to provide demonstrations of FSD to new buyers and owners of serviced vehicles.
Tesla’s sales and margins have been negatively impacted by slower-than-expected demand for electric vehicles and rising competition in China. As a result, the company has been offering incentives and discounts to boost deliveries. To increase its market share, Tesla has decreased prices and aims to sell its high-margin autonomous technology products to a large base of customers in the future.
Ken Mahoney, CEO of Mahoney Asset Management, said, “(Free trials) could be a step in the right direction for people beginning to adopt the technology. Maybe this will entice drivers to purchase full self-driving for $12,000 at some point.”
Tesla offers the FSD software at a subscription of $199 a month, but it requires active driver supervision and does not make its vehicles fully autonomous.
Investing on a Wednesday can be as unpredictable as the weather. One day it’s sunny and your portfolio is up, the next day it’s stormy and your stocks are down. But like a good umbrella, diversification can help protect your investments from the unexpected twists and turns of the market. So grab your raincoat and keep your eye on the long-term forecast, because with a little patience and strategy, even the most tempestuous Wednesdays can lead to sunny returns.