04.03.202614:38:04UTC+00US Stocks Inch Higher

US stocks rose on Wednesday, paring back losses from the previous session as investors reassessed the scale of risks to the US economy from higher tariffs and the war in Iran. The S&P 500 and the Nasdaq 100 edged higher, with the Nasdaq 100 advancing more than 0.8%.

Pro‑inflation risks eased slightly as the recent surge in fuel prices paused. Treasury Secretary Bessent signaled forthcoming measures to lower fuel costs, while also confirming that global tariffs would be increased this week. This followed an incident in which a container ship was struck in the Strait of Hormuz, reinforcing market skepticism about President Trump’s assurances of insurance coverage and protection for tankers transiting the strategic chokepoint.

Bond yields also stabilized after climbing alongside oil prices, providing support to rate‑sensitive technology names. Nvidia and Amazon each gained about 1%, and Broadcom rose 1% ahead of its earnings report due after the closing bell. In contrast, asset managers came under pressure amid growing signs of vulnerability among major private credit firms.