The Dow Jones Industrial Average and other major stock indexes rose Thursday, as Wall Street digested the latest unemployment data. Nvidia and Tesla rose, and Meta Platforms and Microsoft surged on the stock market today following earnings reports.
After the opening bell, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.6%, or more than 200 points. The S&P 500 gained 0.9%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq composite moved up 1.7%.
The 10-year Treasury yield ticked lower to 4.15% early Thursday. Meanwhile, oil prices dropped, as West Texas Intermediate futures traded around $58 per barrel.
Among exchange traded funds, the Invesco QQQ Trust climbed 1.7%, while the SPDR S&P 500 ETF moved up 0.9% after the open.
Tesla stock climbed 0.8% in early action Thursday, after snapping a six-day win streak on Wednesday. Shares have bullishly climbed above their 50-day moving average, but are finding resistance around their 200-day line, the next key level to watch. Led by Chief Executive Elon Musk, the electric-vehicle maker remains around 42% off its record high of 488.54, reached on Dec. 18.
Nvidia stock jumped more than 4% in morning trades. Shares of the artificial intelligence giant are finding resistance around their 10-week line, an important area to watch.
Nvidia Stock — Once Again — Puts The 8 'Secrets' Of Selling In Focus
Stock Market Today: Jobless Claims; Meta, Microsoft Lead Earnings Movers
On the economic front Thursday, the U.S. Labor Department's weekly unemployment claims unexpectedly jumped to 241,000. Claims were expected to ease to 221,000 vs. 222,000 from the previous week, according to Econoday.
Facebook parent Meta Platforms gave a stronger-than-expected sales forecast and beat first-quarter estimates, likely easing some tariff fears for investors. Mark Zuckerberg's social media heavyweight also increased its 2025 spending forecast for capital expenditures, with a focus on its AI ambitions. Meta stock jumped 4.3% in morning action.
Late Wednesday, Microsoft crushed Wall Street's targets for its fiscal third quarter. Microsoft stock surged 9% Thursday.
Other key earnings movers include Cheesecake Factory, eBay, Eli Lilly, Howmet Aerospace, Mastercard and McDonald's, along with Qualcomm, Robinhood Markets, Roblox and Sprouts Farmers Market.
Shares of Cheesecake Factory climbed 1% in early trading, while eBay stock climbed 1.2%. Eli Lilly stock plunged 6%, while Howmet shares surged 6%. Mastercard stock gained 0.5%, as McDonalds declined 1.5%.
In addition, Qualcomm tumbled 8%, while Robinhood advanced 2%. Roblox stock moved up 2%. Finally, Sprouts shares gained 0.8% in early morning action.
Trump Tariffs Trigger Bear Market. Investor Focus Shifts Here.
Dow Jones Extends Win Streak
On Wednesday, blue chips on the Dow Jones Industrial Average moved up 0.4%, or 141 points, while the S&P 500 rose 0.2% and the Nasdaq edged lower.
Due to current market volatility, now is an important time to read IBD's The Big Picture column for how to handle the current market and to track the updated exposure level.
Among the best companies to watch in the current stock market are CrowdStrike, MercadoLibre, Penumbra and Guidewire.
Along with Apple and Nvidia, Dow Jones components making notable moves this week were Amazon.com, Microsoft and Boeing.
Check out IBD MarketSurge's "Breaking Out Today" list for top growth stocks that are moving above correct buy points. Investor also can find potential breakouts on the "Near Pivot" list. To find additional stock ideas, check IBD Stock Lists like IBD 50, Big Cap 20 and Stocks Near A Buy Zone.
Apple Retakes This Crown. Tesla's Mag 7 Card Under Threat — Again.
Dow Jones Stocks: Boeing Nears Buy Point
Shares of Dow Jones component Boeing fell modestly Thursday, within striking distance of a double-bottom entry at 184.40, according to MarketSurge chart analysis.
Outside the Dow, cybersecurity leader and new IBD Leaderboard stock CrowdStrike is adding to breakout gains past a 400.02 buy point in a cup with handle, according to IBD MarketSurge chart analysis. Shares added 0.7% Thursday morning.
E-commerce giant MercadoLibre is moving out of buy range above a 2,202 entry in a double-bottom base, according to IBD MarketSurge. MercadoLibre stock dropped 0.9% Thursday.
Penumbra is finding support at its 288.57 double-bottom entry amid a three-day losing streak. Shares bounced 1.3% early Thursday.
Finally, Guidewire is breaking out past a 201 buy point in a double bottom. Guidewire stock rose 0.6% in early morning trades.
As Wall Street Whipsaws, What's An Investor To Do? Start Here
Stock Market: Companies To Watch
These are four stocks in or near buy zones in Thursday's stock market, including a Dow Jones leader.
Company Name | Symbol | Correct Buy Point | Type Of Buy Point |
---|---|---|---|
Boeing | 184.40 | Double bottom | |
Spotify | 621.20 | Double bottom | |
Penumbra | 288.57 | Double bottom | |
MercadoLibre | 2,202.00 | Double bottom |
Source: IBD Data as of April 30
Here's How To Analyze Stocks Like Nvidia In Good Times And Bad
Dow Jones Leaders: Amazon, Apple
Magnificent Seven stocks are rebounding from lows as Wall Street reacts to the fallout from President Donald Trump's tariffs. One of them, Dow Jones component Amazon, jumped 3% early Thursday. First-quarter earnings are expected later in the day.
IPhone maker Apple sank 0.6% Thursday morning. Shares closed Wednesday at their highest level since early April. Earnings are due Thursday after the close.
Be sure to follow Scott Lehtonen on X at @IBD_SLehtonen for more on growth stocks, the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the stock market today.