The U.S. markets were closed Monday in observance of Memorial Day, and Tuesday, the major indices slipped into the red zone amid political uncertainty in Italy and a drop in crude oil prices. In one of two consumer confidence readings, the Conference Board showed confidence climbed to 128 for May from 125.6 in April. Last Friday, the University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Survey showed sentiment dipped 0.8 points to 98 for May. Stocks rebounded off Tuesday’s drop by mid-week, as Financials, Materials, and Energy sector stocks led the upswing. In a revised reading, real gross domestic product grew 2.2% in the first quarter, down from the 2.9% expansion in the fourth quarter and slightly shy of the 2.3% initially reported in the first quarter. Additionally, the Federal Reserve’s Beige Book showed moderate economic expansion across all districts from mid-April through early May. Thursday, stocks slipped on news the United States plans to impose steel tariffs on Europe, Canada, and Mexico. On another note, consumer spending increased 0.6% in April while personal incomes edged up 0.3%. Looking elsewhere, Department of Labor data showed initial jobless claims decreased last week, with first-time claims falling by 13,000 to 221,000. On Friday, stocks stepped up on stronger-than-anticipated monthly employment details. Department of Labor data showed the U.S. economy added 223,000 jobs in May versus expectations of 188,000. Unemployment dipped from 3.9% to 3.8%.
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