US stock market predictions: S&P 500, Dow Jones Nasdaq look to rise further; All eyes on Apple, Microsoft

US stock market indexes -- S&P 500, Dow Jones, and Nasdaq -- will have a crucial week as investors are eyeing Apple, Microsoft and other corporates' results. The past week saw the S&P 500 rose 40.44 points to 5,525.21. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 20.10 to 40,113.50, and the Nasdaq composite jumped 216.90 to 17,382.94 to close on April 25. Volatility has also eased this week, with the CBOE Volatility Index falling to its lowest level since April 3.

The monthly U.S. employment report, data on first-quarter U.S. economic growth and an inflation update add to the potential market-sensitive events in the coming week, as investors weigh whether the recent strength suggests the worst of a tariff-induced equities tumble is over. However, the prospect of global trade developments threatens to cause volatility at any time.

Tariff uncertainty will be a critical topic for upcoming corporate reports.


About 180 S&P 500 companies representing over 40 per cent of the index's market value are set to post quarterly results in the coming week, according to UBS. Chief among them are Apple , Microsoft, Amazon and Meta Platforms , four of the "Magnificent Seven" megacap tech and growth companies whose shares have faltered in 2025 after putting up massive gains the prior two years.

Investors also will watch the extent to which the new global trade regime is hitting economic data, with broad concerns the new tariffs will drive up prices and slow growth.

Data in the coming week includes gross domestic product for the first quarter, and the March reading of the personal consumption expenditures price index, a key inflation reading.

The monthly U.S. jobs report, due on May 2, could provide the biggest test for markets. The labor market has demonstrated stability in recent months, and employment is expected to have climbed by 135,000 jobs in April, according to a Reuters poll.

FAQs

Q1. What are key indexes of US Stock Market?
A1. Key indexes of US Stock market are S&P 500, Dow Jones, and Nasdaq.

Q2. What is US stock market volatility index?
A2. CBOE Volatility Index fell to its lowest level since April 3.