Wall Street Gains as Tariff Exemptions Boost Apple Shares

U.S. stock indexes closed higher on Monday, primarily driven by a rally in tech stocks like Apple, following the White House's decision to exempt smartphones and computers from new tariffs. This exemption alleviated some investor concerns regarding the potential economic impact of escalating trade tensions, although uncertainty remains as President Trump hinted at upcoming tariffs on imported semiconductors. Analysts noted that the reduced tariffs could limit the impact on Apple's earnings to only about 5% of future forecasts, a significant improvement from previous estimates of a potential 40% hit. Despite the positive market response, experts warn that ongoing tariff uncertainties may continue to affect corporate guidance and investment strategies. The excitement for tech stocks reflects a broader sentiment that the administration may be more flexible on tariffs than previously thought, although mixed signals from Trump have created confusion. Overall, the tech sector remains optimistic as it navigates the complexities of trade policies and their implications on supply chains.