Key Takeaways
- The S&P 500 eked out a achieve of 0.1% on Monday, Might 19, 2025, as buyers weighed the implications of Moody’s downgrading its U.S. credit standing.
- UnitedHealth shares prolonged their restoration as a submitting confirmed the insurer’s incoming CEO buying a major quantity of shares.
- Shares of photo voltaic companies and different renewable power firms fell as Congressional leaders mentioned an accelerated phase-out of sure clear power tax credit.
Main U.S. equities indexes ticked increased to kick off the buying and selling week, bolstered by outperformance in biotech and the well being care sectors at the same time as buyers digested the downgraded view on U.S. authorities creditworthiness from scores company Moody’s.
After buying and selling in destructive territory for a lot of the day, the S&P 500 gained power within the afternoon to finish 0.1% increased. The Dow was up 0.3%, whereas the Nasdaq managed a slender achieve above final week’s closing stage. Learn Investopedia’s full protection of the day’s buying and selling right here.
UnitedHealth Group (UNH) inventory jumped 8.2%, marking the highest each day efficiency within the S&P 500. Whereas Monday’s transfer increased prolonged a restoration that started late final week, shares of the insurance coverage large had been underneath heavy strain after stories of a Justice Division investigation into doable Medicare fraud compounded information concerning the departure of UnitedHealth’s high govt and suspension of its steering. Because the inventory rebounded, filings confirmed that incoming CEO Stephen Hemsley bought a major stake within the firm.
The Meals and Drug Administration granted full approval for the protein-based COVID-19 vaccine produced by Novavax (NVAX), and shares of the biotech agency surged 15%. Shares of fellow vaccine maker Moderna (MRNA) have been up 6.2%.
Greenback Common (DG) shares superior 4.9%, including to beneficial properties posted on the finish of final week after Walmart (WMT) mentioned tariff-related value will increase on its earnings name. Analysts have highlighted that Greenback Common has restricted tariff publicity in contrast with a few of its rivals in low cost retail.
Shares of a number of photo voltaic power firms moved decrease after Republican leaders within the Home reportedly dedicated to eliminating sure clear power tax credit sooner than anticipated. An preliminary finances proposal from the Home Methods and Means Committee launched final week included plans to roll again many provisions of the Inflation Discount Act, together with tax credit for residential photo voltaic installations. Shares of panel producer First Photo voltaic (FSLR) sank 7.6%, dropping probably the most of any S&P 500 inventory, whereas shares of photo voltaic gear maker Enphase Power (ENPH) misplaced 3.2%.
The unsure coverage outlook pressured different shares within the renewable power house. Shares of energy generator AES Corp. (AES), whose portfolio consists of photo voltaic, wind, hydro, and power storage tasks, fell 4.1%.
Greatest Purchase (BBY) shares sank 3% after Wells Fargo trimmed its value goal on the electronics retailer’s inventory. Though analysts famous the potential for patrons to drag ahead their purchases in anticipation of tariff impacts, they continue to be cautious of great uncertainties and dangers available in the market.