U.S. stocks experienced a day of volatile trading as investors grappled with mixed economic signals. Early gains were quickly erased as new data created uncertainty about the strength of the economy.
Analysts pointed to a combination of factors contributing to the market’s indecisiveness. Strong earnings reports from some companies were offset by concerns about rising inflation and the potential for further interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve.
The technology sector saw some of the biggest swings, with major companies experiencing significant gains and losses throughout the day. Energy stocks also reacted sharply to fluctuations in oil prices.
Market watchers said that the volatility is likely to continue in the near term as investors await further economic data and signals from the Federal Reserve. The lack of a clear direction has left many traders on edge, leading to increased trading volume and wider price swings.