Market Close Report: NASDAQ Composite index closes at 15,927.90 up 316.14 points

FOR THE WEEK, UNOFFICIALLY, S&P 500 GAINED 2.69%, THE NASDAQ ROSE 4.23%, AND THE DOW CLIMBED 0.67%

NASDAQ SNAPS 4-WEEK LOSING STREAK, REGISTERS BIGGEST WEEKLY PCT GAIN SINCE EARLY NOV 2023

NASDAQ <.IXIC> UNOFFICIALLY CLOSES UP 320.74 POINTS, OR 2.05 PERCENT, AT 15,932.50

With inflation still high and economic growth slowing sharply we could be heading toward stagflation, a scenario ‘nobody is really prepared for,’ UBS exec says

U.S. Economy grew just 1.6% in the first quarter. The Commerce Department report showed GDP growth slowing sharply and inflation creeping up. The Fed's preferred measure of inflation accelerated to 3.4% last quarter. Investors are worried about the possibility of stagflation. The market fell on the report.

Stock Market History: Investor's Business Daily Across 40 Years Of Bull Markets And Market Crashes

For investors, forward guidance now outweighs earnings: Strategist

Zacks Investment Management Client Portfolio Manager Brian Mulberry joins Wealth! to discuss inflation. Mulberry says the likelihood of an imminent Federal Reserve rate cut has diminished. He says markets are undergoing a repricing event due to a higher-for-longer interest rate environment. The Fed's target of 2% inflation also impacts earnings expectations.

Microsoft, Alphabet gains set Nasdaq on track for best day since Feb; S&P, Dow also rise

Microsoft, Alphabet gains set Nasdaq on track for best day since Feb; S&P, Dow also rise. Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge largely matches estimates in March. Treasury yields slip on Friday in reaction to the release of personal income and outlays data. Microsoft and Alphabet reignited the artificial intelligence craze.

Nasdaq, S&P 500 Jump, Indexes Poised for Weekly Gains; PCE Inflation Hits 2.7%

All three major U.S. Indexes on course for weekly gains. Strong earnings from Alphabet and Microsoft help tech-heavy Nasdaq. Fed's favored inflation metric shows inflation at 2.7% this year through March. University of Michigan survey shows April consumer sentiment weaker than expected.

U.S. STOCKS EXTEND GAINS, NASDAQ <.IXIC> UP 2.00 PCT

Stocks open higher, fueled by Alphabet, Microsoft results

The major indexes opened higher on Friday morning thanks to strong results from Alphabet and Microsoft. Inflation print for March was in line with estimates. The core PCE price index rose 2.8% in March, slightly more than the 2.7% economists had expected.

Nasdaq, S&P 500 Open Higher; PCE Inflation Hits 2.7%

All three indexes are up in morning trading. The Fed's favored inflation metric shows inflation running at 2.7% in the year through March. Strong earnings from Alphabet and Microsoft help tech-heavy Nasdaq. The yen slides after the Bank of Japan leaves interest rates unchanged.

U.S. STOCKS EXTEND GAINS, NASDAQ <.IXIC> UP 1.37%

NASDAQ <.IXIC> UP 213.36 POINTS, OR 1.37 PERCENT, AT 15,825.12 AFTER MARKET OPEN

B. Riley Financial Regains Compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5250(c)(1)

B. Riley Financial, Inc. Has regained compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5250(c)(1) in connection with the filing of its 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The Company received notice from The Nasdaq Stock Market on April 25, 2024 that it has regainedcompliance. B. Riley is a diversified financial services platform.

Three Days Left To Buy Northern Technologies International Corporation (NASDAQ:NTIC) Before The Ex-Dividend Date

Northern Technologies International Corporation (NASDAQ:NTIC) is about to go ex-dividend in three days. The company's next dividend payment will be US$0.07 per share. Northern Technologies International has a trailing yield of 1.6% on the current share price of US$17.39. Company's earnings per share have dropped 8.0% a year over the past five years. The health of the company's business is important to consider before investing in the stock. Northern technologies International paid out 57% of its earnings last year.

Strong week for Bit Digital (NASDAQ:BTBT) shareholders doesn't alleviate pain of three-year loss

Bit Digital, Inc. Share price up 16% in a week after falling 83% over three years. The company's revenue has dropped 24% per year over the last three years, and 22% in the last five years. Bit Digital's share price has dropped at a rate of 22% a year over that period. The share price is now up 17% over the past week. But the company has never made a profit in the past 12 months.

5 Stocks in Focus on Their Recent Dividend Hike

April has been a tough month for the major stock indexes. The Dow, the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq Composite have tumbled 3.4%, 3.5% and 4.1% month to date. Dividend-paying stocks should be in demand as investors try to safeguard their portfolios. Five companies that have recently raised their dividend payments are Johnson & Johnson, The Travelers Companies Inc. And KB Home.

Hingham Institution for Savings (NASDAQ:HIFS) Has Affirmed Its Dividend Of $0.63

Hingham Institution for Savings will pay a dividend of $0.63 per share on the 15th of May. The company has a long history of paying out dividends, but has seen cuts in the past. The dividend yield is 1.5% but the company is earning enough to cover the payout. Hingham Institution For Savings is not a great stock to add to your portfolio.

It's Unlikely That Atomera Incorporated's (NASDAQ:ATOM) CEO Will See A Huge Pay Rise This Year

Atomera Incorporated's (NASDAQ:ATOM) CEO compensation is 149% above the industry average. Scott Bibaud's pay includes US$417.7k salary. The company's earnings per share has declined by 3.4% over the past three years. Atomera will hold its Annual General Meeting on 1st of May. Shareholders will have a chance to take their concerns to the board at the next meeting.