Markets Wrap: Tech Rally Lifts Wall Street as Pasta Tariff Threat Looms; Crypto Volatility Deepens
Investor sentiment brightened as a tech-led bounce lifted U.S. equities following the end of the government shutdown, but valuation worries kept risk appetite in check. At the same time, trade headlines and sharp cryptocurrency swings shaped a busy session across global markets.
On Wall Street, major indexes advanced as megacap technology stocks outperformed, though traders flagged stretched multiples and the need for confirmation from upcoming economic data. In company news, Pentair underperformed the broader market over the past year with a 4.4% gain, yet delivered a stronger-than-expected third quarter, topping EPS estimates by 5.1%. Analysts project 13.4% earnings growth ahead and maintain an Outperform stance with roughly 12.8% upside potential, underscoring selective opportunities even amid broader valuation concerns.
Trade risks re-emerged as Italian pasta imports face potential U.S. tariffs of up to 107%, a move that could push popular brands to double in price or disappear from store shelves. Importers and retailers are bracing for possible cost spikes that may ripple through grocery aisles and consumer inflation gauges, keeping the policy backdrop firmly on investors’ radar.
In digital assets, regulators and corporate headlines fueled volatility. The Japan Exchange Group signaled closer attention to large crypto holders, while Metaplanet shares plunged about 70% amid mounting volatility fears. XRP rose 3.28% following ETF approval, with trading volumes up 30% as large holders redistributed tokens, leaving $2.40 as a key support to watch. By contrast, DOGE slipped 5.5% below $0.1720 on heavy turnover, testing the $0.16 floor as sellers maintained control.
Key Points – U.S. stocks rallied on a tech surge after the government shutdown ended, but valuation concerns persisted. – Pentair beat Q3 EPS estimates by 5.1%; analysts see 13.4% EPS growth and ~12.8% upside despite a 4.4% 52-week gain. – Italian pasta faces potential U.S. tariffs up to 107%, raising the risk of price spikes and supply pullbacks. – Japan Exchange Group increased scrutiny of large crypto holders; Metaplanet shares tumbled about 70%. – XRP climbed 3.28% following ETF approval with a 30% volume jump, eyeing $2.40 as support. – DOGE fell 5.5% below $0.1720, testing $0.16 support amid heavy selling pressure.
