Market Digest: Dow Edges Up Amid Tariff Jitters as Meme Stocks Stir Retail Activity

U.S. equities showed muted movements NEAR record levels as investors weighed mixed earnings against escalating tariff concerns. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 0.28%, while the S&P 500 eked out a marginal 0.07% gain. Technology stocks lagged, dragging the Nasdaq Composite down 0.30%.

General Motors became the session's casualty, plunging 6% despite surpassing earnings estimates. The selloff reflected mounting anxiety about potential demand destruction from U.S. tariff policies. Auto sector volatility underscores growing macroeconomic headwinds facing cyclical industries.

Federal Reserve leadership speculation added another LAYER of uncertainty. Treasury officials walked back earlier suggestions of immediate leadership changes, though calls for internal investigations persist. The administration's mixed messaging on central bank governance continues to cloud the policy outlook.

Retail traders reignited the meme stock phenomenon, with speculative favorites again commanding disproportionate attention. The resurgence highlights persistent bifurcation between mainstream market fundamentals and social media-driven speculation.