S&P 500 ETF's Worst Week Since September: 5 Top Stocks Poised to Rise

Market Overview - The S&P 500 lost 3.1%, the Dow Jones fell about 2.4%, and the Nasdaq Composite retreated 3.5%, marking the worst week for the S&P 500 since September 2024 [1] - The Nasdaq officially entered correction territory, defined as a 10% decline from recent highs [1] Employment Data - Nonfarm payrolls increased by 151,000 in February, falling short of economists' expectations of 170,000, while the unemployment rate rose to 4.1% [2] Trade Policy Impact - Market turmoil was driven by concerns over trade policy, particularly President Trump's tariff announcements, which created uncertainty despite exemptions for goods from Canada and Mexico under the USMCA until April 2 [3] - Glen Smith, CIO at GDS Wealth Management, noted that the market does not favor uncertainty and anticipates continued market volatility until trade uncertainties are resolved [4] Economic Outlook - Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent acknowledged a potential loss of economic momentum but attributed it to a transition from previous policies, assuring that any tariff-related price increase would be a one-time adjustment [5] Winning Stocks in a Down Market - Erie Indemnity (ERIE) saw an 11.1% increase last week, operating in the property/casualty insurance business and ranked in the top 21% of its industry [7] - Jack Henry & Associates (JKHY) increased by 6.8%, providing technology solutions to community banks and ranked in the top 21% of its industry [8] - Charter Communications (CHTR) rose by 6.7%, serving approximately 30.1 million customers in 41 states as the second-largest cable operator in the U.S. [9] - Gilead Sciences (GILD) also increased by 6.7%, known for its drugs for HIV and other diseases, ranked in the top 21% of its industry [10] - American Water Works (AWK) rose by 3.1%, providing essential water services to over 14 million customers and ranked in the top 38% of its sector [11]