S&P 500 Slips as Tech Falters on Rising Treasury Yields

Introduction:

The S&P 500 suffered its second consecutive weekly loss, weighed down by concerns over rising Treasury yields and expectations of prolonged interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve. As tech stocks faced selling pressure, Adobe Systems (NASDAQ:ADBE) reported disappointing guidance, while Micron Technology Inc (NASDAQ:MU) defied the broader market trend.

Market Performance:

At 16:00 ET (20:00 GMT), the S&P 500 index declined by 0.6%, with the NASDAQ Composite falling 1% and the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropping by 190 points or 0.5%. Treasury yields surged further amid fears of faster-than-expected inflation despite weakening consumer sentiment, contributing to investor unease.

Tech Sector Under Pressure: Rising Treasury yields exerted downward pressure on the tech sector, leading to a broad market decline. Adobe Systems faced a significant setback, with its stock plummeting nearly 14% after reporting weaker-than-expected guidance for the second quarter, citing heightened competition and weak demand for its AI offerings. UBS slashed its price target on Adobe stock, reflecting concerns about potential secular pressures.

Micron Technology's Resilience: In contrast, Micron Technology Inc shrugged off the market downturn, buoyed by a positive outlook from Citi, which named Micron one of its top picks and raised its price target on the stock. Micron's increased exposure to artificial intelligence is anticipated to drive growth, contributing to its resilience amid the broader selloff.

Ulta Beauty's Disappointment and Fisker's Rebound: Ulta Beauty experienced a 5% decline after projecting full-year profit below Wall Street estimates due to elevated supply-chain costs and increased promotions, denting investor confidence. Meanwhile, Fisker Inc witnessed a more than 12% increase following its announcement of plans to raise capital to bolster its balance sheet, dispelling concerns of imminent bankruptcy.

Conclusion:

The market downturn, driven by concerns over rising Treasury yields and inflationary pressures, highlighted the vulnerability of tech stocks. While companies like Adobe Systems faced challenges due to weak guidance, others like Micron Technology showcased resilience amidst the broader selloff. As investors navigate uncertainties, attention remains focused on the Federal Reserve's upcoming meeting and its implications for interest rates and market sentiment.