S&P 500 stocks fall as Fed signals cuts, Iran tensions

• Fed considers cutting interest rates as early as July
• Tech stocks fall as pressure mounts on Nvidia
• Tensions between the US and Iran raise caution in the market

Major U.S. stock indexes ended Friday with mixed performance, reflecting the combination of economic and geopolitical factors that moved markets. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose slightly by 0,2%, while the S&P 500 fell by 0,1%. The Nasdaq Composite, which is more exposed to technology companies, fell by 0,4%.

Among the day's highlights, the semiconductor sector came under renewed pressure after reports that the U.S. government may end waivers that allow global chipmakers to access U.S. technology for operations in China. Nvidia shares, one of the most sensitive to this issue, fell 1,1%.

In the monetary policy arena, Federal Reserve Governor Chris Waller struck a more accommodative tone by suggesting that interest rate cuts could occur as early as July. According to him, recent inflation indicators show signs of relief, even with the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration in place.

Despite that signal, the futures market is still pricing in a September-only rate cut as the most likely scenario, according to data from CME Group. The Federal Reserve held rates steady at its most recent meeting, with Chairman Jerome Powell stressing there is no rush to start the easing cycle.

In the geopolitical arena, attention has turned to the Middle East after President Donald Trump postponed a decision on a possible military strike on Iran. According to a White House statement, Trump set a two-week deadline to define a response, leaving open the possibility of a diplomatic solution.

Foreign ministers from France, the United Kingdom and Germany are meeting with Iranian officials in Geneva, seeking to de-escalate tensions. Meanwhile, investors continue to closely monitor developments, assessing the possible impact on global markets.