Private sector payrolls in June expanded at a slower-than-expected pace, and initial jobless claims rose more than estimated in the previous week. The U.S. goods and service trade deficit in May widened after exports decreased more than imports. 

U.S. major averages rose to new highs, and Treasury yields eased a fraction after Fed Chairman Powell cited progress on inflation but reiterated that the central bank is not ready to lower interest rates. 

Benchmark indexes on Wall Street lacked direction as investors stayed on the sidelines in the absence of domestic catalysts. Job openings edged slightly higher in May, but hovered near the three-year low reached in April.

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The artificial intelligence craze drove the S&P 500 index and the Nasdaq Composite higher in the second quarter and extended gains in the first half.

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On Friday, investors are anticipating the release of the alternative measure of inflation. European markets braced for parliamentary elections in the UK and France next week. Asian currency markets fear another round of competitive devaluation as Japan lets the yen sink.

Stocks were in a holding pattern after investors reviewed mixed quarterly earnings and economic updates. New durable goods orders rose unexpectedly in May, and GDP growth in the first quarter was revised higher in the third estimate.

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Market indexes in New York, Europe, and China lacked momentum, and the Japanese yen searched for a lower bottom amid a lack of support from the Bank of Japan. 



Tech stocks attempted to rebound for the second day in a row, and investors looked ahead to the release of the PCE price inflation update. Single-family new home sales in May declined in double-digits to a six-month low.

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U.S. major averages rebounded, Treasury yields held steady, and crude oil prices fell. European markets closed down amid election jitters in the UK and France. The Japanese yen's weakness signals lower lows for the embattled currency. The Chinese premier reiterated the annual economic growth target and dismissed economic decoupling risks. 

Investors rotated out of high-prices mega-cap tech stocks into financial services and energy sectors amid valuation worries following the recent run-up.

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U.S. tech stocks took a much-needed breather after rising for two months in a row as investors rotated into energy stocks and banks. European markets closed higher, but French political turmoil weighed on the market. The Japanese yen fell to a three-decade low, testing the Bank of Japan's resolve to defend the currency. 

Benchmark indexes rested near record highs as tech stocks retreated from recent highs.

Stocks retained a downward bias, but benchmark indexes are set to close higher in the holiday-shortened week.

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U.S. major averages flirted with new record highs as the AI-driven tech rally continued. European markets extended weekly gains after the UK and Norway held their interest rates steady and Switzerland lowered rates for the second consecutive time. 



The S&P 500 index and the Nasdaq Composite traded at new intraday record highs, and Nvidia retained its leadership in the artificial intelligence-driven market rally.

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