ETFs Last Week: Funds Lead The Charge As Markets Stage A Return To Risk-On
Investors ditched worries, boosting ETFs like VanEck SMH (+13%) on chip stock rally, Virtus BBC (+7%) on biotech hope, Simplify TESL (+31%) on Musk's focus, Invesco SPHB (+11.5%) on risk appetite, iShares IBIT (+9.2%) on crypto optimism. Market sentiment received boost from easing US-China trade tensions and news of no Fed Chair firing. S&P 500 recovered 80% of its post-April 2 sell-off, but warning signs remain with slowing private sector growth, declining consumer sentiment, and rising inflation expectations. ServiceNow (+20%) and Northrop Grumman (-15%) had divergent earnings, while Tesla (+31%) surged on Musk's promise to focus on making EVs. This week's action will be crucial.