US stocks decline as markets assess economic and tariff prospects

On Thursday, the US stock market closed slightly lower, wavering between gains and losses as investors assessed the latest economic data and policy statements from the US Federal Reserve amid concerns over tariffs.

The technology sector showed the weakest performance, while the energy sector rose as crude oil prices surged nearly 2 percent after the United States imposed new restrictions against Iran.

On the New York Stock Exchange, falling stocks outnumbered rising ones by a ratio of 1.38 to 1, and on the Nasdaq a similar situation took place at a ratio of 1.72 to 1.

As Reuters notes, selling pressure has become more pronounced over recent weeks amid data suggesting possible cooling of the economy and consumer sentiment following the introduction of reciprocal trade tariffs by the Trump administration.

Wedbush Securities Vice President Stephen Massocca highlights the volatility of the current environment. As he believes, future market dynamics will depend on the news background in the next couple of weeks. According to his estimates, there aren't any particular signs of stabilization so far.