U.S. stocks traded mixed Thursday, with major indices posting timid midday gains as investors digested fresh economic data revealing signs of consumer strain and disinflationary pressure stemming from April’s tariff escalation.
Retail sales rose just 0.1% in April, slightly above flat expectations, but core retail sales—a category tied more closely to GDP—fell 0.3%, signaling weakening underlying consumption.
Producer prices contracted by 0.5% month-over-month, defying forecasts for an increase and marking the steepest drop since April 2020.
Defensive sectors outperformed, with consumer staples and utilities leading gains, reflecting a cautious market tone.
In tech, semiconductor stocks—tracked by the iShares Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:SOXX)—edged down 0.4%, pulling back after a three-day rally sparked by the U.S.-China trade truce.
Oil prices slid 2.2%, with WTI light crude falling to $61 per barrel. Gold climbed 1.4% to above $3,200 …