U.S. stock markets opened trading this Friday (24) with mixed performance, while investors analyze the effects of the new trade tariffs imposed by current U.S. President Donald Trump. In addition to trade policy, the market remains attentive to high investments in artificial intelligence, oil prices, and expectations for the Federal Reserve's next steps, factors that also influence the cryptocurrency market.
At the time of publication, the S&P 500 was up to 7.411,02 pontos (+0,04%), while the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0,20%, to 51.815,71 pontos. Meanwhile, the Nasdaq Composite fell 0,12%, to 25.107,64 pontos, and the Russell 2000 was down 0.09%, traded at 2.937,40 pontos. The volatility index VIX remained virtually stable at 18.64 points (-0.32%).
Among commodities, gold was up 0.32%, trading at US$ 4,063 per ounce. WTI crude oil for September fell 2.63%, quoted at US$ 89.77 per barrel, giving back part of the gains accumulated over the week. In the cryptocurrency market, Bitcoin was trading at US$ 64.091,64, down 1,26% in the last 24 hours, reflecting the more cautious mood among investors.
The session takes place one day after a sharp round of profit-taking in technology stocks. On Thursday, the so-called "Magnificent Seven" lost, together, approximately US$ 800 bilhões in market value, weighing mainly on the Nasdaq.
The move was triggered after investors reacted to the high investments announced by Alphabet and Tesla in artificial intelligence infrastructure. Although the market recognizes AI's long-term potential, some participants began to question the pace of this spending and its impacts on corporate profitability.
In contrast, Intel was among the session's positive highlights. Shares of the semiconductor manufacturer were rising after the company reported quarterly results above Wall Street expectations, reinforcing optimism around its operational recovery.
Another relevant factor for the markets was the entry into force of the new United States trade tariff package. The measures, framed under Section 301, came into effect during the early morning and established tariffs between 10% e 12,5% on imported products from various of the country's trading partners.
According to the American government, the new tariff structure was designed to provide greater legal support for the trade measures. At the same time, the White House chose to exempt part of the energy products, seeking to reduce impacts on fuel costs and avoid additional pressure on inflation.
Even with this exception, investors continue to assess the possible effects of the tariffs on economic activity. Higher import costs may influence inflation and, consequently, affect expectations for Federal Reserve monetary policy in the coming months.
This Friday's economic calendar is also drawing attention. The market is awaiting the release of the preliminary readings of the purchasing managers' index (PMI) from S&P Global for the manufacturing and services sectors for July, in addition to data on new home sales in the United States. These indicators may offer new signals about the pace of the American economy.