The Dow Jones Industrial Average is showing signs of recovery today after recent volatility driven by trade tensions and interest rate uncertainty. As investors scan the market for direction, several major DJIA stocks are in focus due to fresh earnings updates, strategic shifts, and global developments. From Apple’s tariff relief boost to UnitedHealth’s profit warning, here are the top Dow stocks to keep an eye on in today’s session.
Market Overview DJIA Stocks
The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed at 39,669.39 on April 16, 2025, marking a pullback amid renewed U.S., China tariff tensions and caution ahead of Federal Reserve talks. Yet, U.S. stock futures rebounded Thursday on positive developments in U.S., Japan trade negotiations, with Dow futures up nearly 1%, signaling a choppy but resilient backdrop for today’s session.
Stocks to Watch Today
Apple Inc. (AAPL)
Apple shares jumped 3.7% on April 14 after the White House exempted smartphones and computers from upcoming tariffs, alleviating supply‑chain worries and boosting sentiment ahead of its next earnings report. Investors are also watching for AI‑powered features in the iPhone 17 cycle, which could drive a supercycle of upgrades.
- Tariff reprieve: Smartphone and PC imports exempted from tariffs.
- Analyst sentiment: Of 16 analysts, 10 rate AAPL as a “Buy,” with four “Hold” and two “Sell.”
Microsoft Corp. (MSFT)
Shares of Microsoft opened at $380.68 on April 16, down 1.28% from the prior close, as investors digest a mixed cloud outlook and recalibrated AI spending plans. Business Insider reports MSFT has paused over 2 GW of early‑stage AI data center projects, pivoting toward targeted GPU procurement and inference workloads while maintaining a hefty $80 billion capital expenditure plan for fiscal 2025 citeturn2news20.
- AI strategy shift: Paused large‑scale data‑center expansions, focusing on mature deployments.
- Core strength: Continues to invest heavily in Azure and OpenAI partnership integrations.
Boeing Co. (BA)
Boeing shares traded at $157.50 mid‑afternoon on April 16, up 1.3%, as technical traders noted a potential double‑bottom formation following a dip below tariff‑driven lows earlier in the week. The uptick comes despite reports that China advised its airlines to halt further 737 MAX deliveries in retaliation to U.S. tariffs.
- Technical setup: Double‑bottom pattern with key support at $146 and $137, resistance at $166 and $187.
- Broader headwinds: Ongoing U.S., China trade war, past safety and manufacturing challenges, and a machinists strike.
UnitedHealth Group Inc. (UNH)
In premarket trading on April 17, UnitedHealth shares plunged 5% after the insurer cut its full‑year 2025 profit forecast to $26–26.50 per share, well below prior guidance of $29.50–30.00, citing elevated medical costs in its Medicare Advantage business. This downgrade pressured the entire health‑insurance sector, dragging peers like Elevance and CVS lower.
- Revised outlook: Adjusted EPS now $26–26.50 vs. previous $29.50–30.00.
- Cost pressures: High claim volumes in Medicare Advantage and shifting Medicaid enrollments.
Goldman Sachs Group Inc. (GS)
Goldman Sachs stock rose 2.5% to $506.83 on April 14 after reporting record equities‑trading revenues, even as investment banking fees remain under pressure from deal‑making slowdowns and tariff uncertainty citeturn4search10. CEO David Solomon has counseled clients to “go slow” on M&A until policy clarity emerges, reflecting a cautious stance despite strong quarterly results citeturn4news19.
- Trading strength: Equities trading revenue hit $4.19 billion, up 27% year‑on‑year.
- Deal‑making drag: Advisory revenues down 22% as companies hold off on mergers.
Investors should monitor these DJIA components closely as economic policy shifts and company‑specific catalysts drive volatile price action. The interplay of macro headwinds, tariffs, rate‑cut expectations, and individual earnings forecasts will likely dictate sentiment across today’s trading session.
