On August 15, 2025, U.S. stock markets exhibited stability as investors closely monitored Federal Reserve signals regarding potential interest rate cuts. Retail sales data for August indicated a slight increase of 0.1%, reaching just under $711 billion, surpassing expectations and suggesting resilient consumer spending despite a cooling job market. This development added complexity to the ongoing debate about the Fed's monetary policy direction. The S&P 500 opened with a modest gain of 24 points, while the Nasdaq Composite was poised to rise by 112 points, reflecting cautious optimism among investors. finance.yahoo.com
In the technology sector, mixed performances were observed. Apple Inc. (AAPL) shares declined to a one-month low amid reports of subdued demand for its new iPhone 16, impacting the broader tech market. Conversely, Intel Corporation (INTC) saw a significant uptick of 7.65% following the announcement of a $3.5 billion contract with the U.S. government and a new chip-supply agreement with Amazon. Additionally, Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) shares rose by 1.9% after unveiling plans for a $60 billion stock buyback and an increase in its quarterly dividend. These developments highlight the dynamic nature of the market, influenced by both consumer behavior and corporate strategies. finance.yahoo.com