US Stocks Rise Amid Trump-Zelenskyy Tensions

On Friday, U.S. stock markets closed higher despite a contentious meeting between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which raised concerns among investors about ongoing tensions related to Ukraine's war with Russia. The S&P 500 rose 1.56%, the Nasdaq gained 1.59%, and the Dow increased by 1.39%, demonstrating a rebound after initial declines following the heated exchange between the two leaders. The meeting ended without a crucial agreement on joint energy development, adding to investor uncertainty regarding U.S.-Ukraine relations. Economic data revealed mixed signals, with inflation aligning with expectations but consumer spending unexpectedly dropping by 0.2%, complicating the Federal Reserve's policy decisions. Despite these challenges, gains in major tech stocks like Nvidia, Apple, and Tesla helped lift the markets. Analysts suggest that while volatility remains, the market's recovery indicates a hope for stabilized relations moving forward.