As the first quarter of 2024 closes, global markets are witnessing a surge in optimism, boosting the S&P 500 to record heights with a notable 10.2% gain, marking its strongest first-quarter performance since 2019.

Financial markets were extremely active last week as major economies released key economic data and central banks made important policy decisions. With central banks adjusting their monetary policies to address inflation and growth concerns, investors had to navigate conflicting signals from policymakers.

Volatility gripped the financial markets as investors dealt with the implications of hotter-than-expected inflation data, reigniting fears of further interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve.

The joy surrounding the recent stock market rally was put to the test on Thursday as hotter-than-expected US inflation data reduced expectations of an imminent interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve. The Dow Jones Industrial Average snapped a three-day winning streak while the Nasdaq Composite and S&P 500 also retreated, declining 0.3% and 0.29%, respectively.

In a noteworthy shift, global stock markets edged lower, marking a departure from the recent tech-driven highs that had pushed major indices to record levels. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite experienced downturns, as the successful rally in technology stocks began to lose steam.

This past week, the stock market experienced a notable shift in momentum, transitioning from its recent highs to a more passive stance.

In an unexpected turn from its recent upward trend, the stock market began the week on a quieter note, with the Nasdaq Composite and the S&P 500 stepping back from their latest high points, despite strong performances from major tech companies. The S&P 500 dipped by 0.1%, and the Nasdaq Composite fell by 0.4%, reflecting a more cautious approach from investors fresh off last week’s peaks.

Despite March typically being a tough month for stocks, the Nasdaq Composite and the S&P 500 have hit new highs, thanks to strong interest in big technology companies and excitement about artificial intelligence (AI).

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Wednesday’s trading session closed with mixed sentiments across major indexes as investors navigated through a landscape of earnings reports and economic indicators. The Nasdaq Composite edged lower for the third consecutive day, reflecting a wary stance among traders eagerly awaiting Nvidia’s quarterly earnings revelation.

The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite session closed in the red, primarily dragged down by a significant drop in Nvidia’s stock ahead of its highly anticipated earnings report. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slightly dipped, reflecting a cautious stance among investors across the board. Nvidia’s nearly 4.4% fall underscored concerns over its valuation, casting a shadow on the tech sector and influencing declines in other major tech stocks like Amazon and Microsoft.