The S&P 500 ended slightly higher on June 4, lifted by technology stocks despite volatile trading driven by weak U.S. economic indicators. A contraction in the services sector and a slowdown in private hiring highlighted ongoing concerns about economic growth and inflation. Investor sentiment was further shaped by escalating trade tensions, with President Trump's tariff deadlines and upcoming talks with China in focus. Despite the uncertainty, May marked the strongest monthly gains for the S&P 500 and Nasdaq since late 2023, prompting analysts like Barclays to raise their year-end forecasts.
