FX.co ★ US Stocks Mostly Flat as Trump Pushes EU Tariffs

On Friday, U.S. stock markets exhibited minimal movement as investors balanced President Trump's tariff increase proposals for the European Union against favorable economic indicators and robust corporate earnings. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 maintained positions close to their historical highs, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped by 142 points, largely influenced by a 2.2% decrease in American Express stocks. President Trump is reportedly advocating for a minimum tariff range of 15-20% in any potential agreement with the EU, which aims to finalize terms before the set deadline of August 1. Despite surpassing revenue and earnings forecasts, Netflix shares declined by 5.1%. Meanwhile, Charles Schwab's shares rose by 3% following positive financial results, and Chevron appreciated by 1% due to the completion of its $53 billion acquisition of Hess. The University of Michigan's July survey highlighted improved consumer confidence and a decrease in one-year inflation expectations to 4.4%, the lowest level recorded since February. For the week, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq advanced by 0.5% and 1.4%, respectively, while the Dow experienced a slight decline.