As per my Thursday post, US market did not rally and close on a high (click here ! for details, Repost to share !).
The media said US stocks closed mixed on Thursday, booking weekly losses on the final session of the week.
Most media “agreed” that the 2 factors that most affected market sentiments, particularly blue-chip Dow Jones Industrial Average were:
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Trump’s latest bitch-fit over what Fed chair Jerome Powell had said in his xx speech about overall US economy.
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Historic drop in $UnitedHealth(UNH)$ after the insurer reported its quarterly earnings and delivered an outlook that disappointed Wall Street.
By the time market closed for the week:
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DJIA: -1.33% (-527.16 to 39,142.23).
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S&P 500: +0.13% (+7.00 to 5,282.70).
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Nasdaq: -0.13% (-20.71 to 16,286.45).
Treasury Yields Highest in 2 Years.
According to Fed Reserve’s data, Trump's tariff shock has resulted in a sharp selloff in long-duration Treasurys and has pushed a closely followed plot along the yield curve to its highest level in 2 years. (see above)
Above chart shows the difference between (a) the 10-year Treasury yield and (b) its 2-year counterpart, reaching about 50 basis points, it’s highest since early 2022.
It was inverted for 2 years, a classic recession warning sign.
Is this a sign of things to come in the coming weeks or months ?
Trump vs Powell.
Instead of finding a solution for the chaos he singlehandedly created (both domestically & globally), Trump decided to get mad with Fed chair Jerome Powell after the latter’s speech at the Economic Club of Chicago.
Mr Powell has objectively noted the Trump’s administration tariffs has put them (central bank) in a tricky spot as it decides whether to (a) tame inflation or (b) boost growth.
On his propaganda platform - Truth Social, Trump (again) tried to pressure US central bank into cowering to his request.
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The ECB is expected to cut interest rates for the 7th time.
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Yet, ‘Too Late’ Jerome Powell of the Fed, who is always TOO LATE AND WRONG, yesterday issued a report which was another, and typical, complete ‘mess!’
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Oil prices are down, groceries (even eggs!) are down, and the USA is getting RICH ON TARIFFS.
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Too Late should have lowered Interest Rates, like the ECB, long ago, but he should certainly lower them now.
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Powell’s termination cannot come fast enough !
As the head of state, the loose cannon is a disgrace.
Fall From Grace !
On Thu, 17 Apr 2025, like other US listed companies, healthcare giant UnitedHealth Group reported its quarterly earnings.
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Its stock nosedived by -22.4%, or -$131 and closed at $454 per share. (see above)
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Making it UnitedHealth’s steepest daily loss since 6 Aug 1998.
The losses came after UnitedHealth’s first-quarter financial report was worse than analysts expected:
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Earnings per share (adjusted) : came in at $7.20 vs analyst’s expected $7.29 vs Q1 2024 ‘s $6.91.
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Revenue: was $109.6 billion vs Wall Street’s expectations of $110 billion vs Q1 2024’s $99.8 billion.
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Net income: was $6.29 billion vs Q1 2024’s net loss of -$1.41 billion.
Q2 2025 Guidance / Outlook.
For UNH, the nail to the coffin (on Thursday) must be its earnings revision to its 2025 performance outlook established in December 2024.
Nothing tanks a stock faster than a downwards revision of its guidance / outlook.
According to LSEG latest compilation, UNH expects it 2025 adjusted EPS:
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To be between $26 and $26.50 (after downwards revision).
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Compared to its original forecast of $29.50 and $30.
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Analysts’ expectations remain at $29.73 per share for 2025.
Ripple Effect.
UNH is regarded by many as the industry’s bellwether. Its Thursday’s tumble has a ripple effect on competitors’ stocks too:
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$Humana(HUM)$ fell by -7.40% to $264.48.
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$Elevance Health(ELV)$ fell by -2.42% to $424.53.
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$CVS Health(CVS)$ fell by -1.84% to $67.29.
HealthCare Still Investment worthy?
UNH’s poor quarter reflects specific operational and reimbursement headwinds, not a fundamental breakdown of healthcare’s defensive qualities. (see below)
Summary : Healthcare Sector Resilience
$Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund(XLV)$ remains a relative safe haven in a volatile, tariff-impacted market, but selectivity & awareness of company-specific risks are crucial.
Still think Healthcare sector is still a worthy sector to invest during these volatile times ?
Must Read: Click on below titles to access. Repost to share, Like as encouragement ok. Thanks.
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Do you think UNH as investment stock still worth a 2nd look ?
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Do you think US market will recover “even a little” by end April, that’s 12 days to go ?
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Comments
Pls "Re-post" so that more get to know. Tks! Rating is important (to me).
Consider "Follow me" and get first hand read of my Daily new posts? Thanks!). Tks!!
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