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The Dow Leaps Over 450 Points as the S&P 500 Sets a New Record High
S&P 500 Marks First Gain in Four Days
On Wednesday, the S&P 500 achieved a new milestone, securing a record high and charting its strongest first quarter since 2019. The index increased by 0.86%, closing at 5,248.49, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average saw a rise of 477.75 points or 1.22%, finishing the day at 39,760.08. This marked the end of a three-day downturn for both indexes. The Nasdaq Composite experienced a 0.51% uptick, closing at 16,399.52.
The stock market witnessed widespread gains across the board, with all 11 sectors of the S&P 500 in the green. Utilities spearheaded the gains with a notable jump of nearly 2.8%, followed by real estate with a 2.4% increase, and industrials climbing 1.6%.
Warren Buffett’s Market Measure Hits Warning Levels
Warren Buffett introduced what he described in a 2001 Fortune Magazine article as “probably the best single measure of where valuations stand at any given moment.”
Currently, this gauge, known as the “Buffett Indicator,” suggests potential market downturns, reaching a two-year peak. This metric compares the overall value of the US stock market to the national economy by dividing the total market capitalization of publicly traded companies (as represented by the Wilshire 5000 index) by the latest quarterly gross domestic product figure.
This ratio aims to assess stock prices’ fairness by evaluating whether the market is over or undervalued compared to the economic output. A significant discrepancy where the stock market outpaces economic growth could indicate a bubble.
According to Berkshire Hathaway, a 100% ratio suggests fair valuation, a reading closer to 70% means stocks are undervalued, and a figure near 200% signals high risk. The indicator currently hovers around 190%.
The last instance of such a high reading was in 2022 when it reached 211%, preceding a 19% decline in the S&P 500 over the following year. This surge aligns with heightened interest in artificial intelligence and notable gains in companies like Nvidia.
Trump’s Social Media Venture Raises New Ethical Questions
The debut of Donald J. Trump’s social media enterprise introduced a potential conflict of interest, amplifying the former President’s wealth by $4.6 billion on paper after its first trading day. The involvement of Trump’s political supporters and investors in Trump Media & Technology Group, the parent company of Truth Social, has sparked concerns over ethical implications should Trump re-enter the presidency.
Experts suggest that the public nature of this venture could offer a direct means for foreign entities or special interests to exert influence. This scenario compounds the ethical dilemmas previously associated with Trump’s business dealings, suggesting an amplified risk if he maintains ownership while serving as president. The stock of Trump Media (DJT) notably surged upon its introduction to the public market.