The S&P 500 pulled back 2% during the first four trading sessions this week, but it was essentially flat for 2025 through May 22, with dividends reinvested. So some investors might still have been sighing with relief, considering that the large-cap U.S. benchmark had been down 15% for the year through April 8.

The 50-day moving average is a short- to mid-term trend indicator. When a stock is above its rising 50-day MA, it has about a 67% chance of closing higher the next day. That trend flips bearish when the 50-day is sloping downward. This “technical rule” can be used effectively on stocks, ETFs and market indices.

The S&P 500 recently flashed a technical sell signal, Bank of America said, which can suggest a near-term drop in stock prices.

If these stocks aren't leading their industries in uncertain market conditions, they're typically paying a hefty dividend.

Stock market swings are scary, but a smart investing strategy factors in the dips. The S&P 500 has historically delivered around a 10% annual return for investors who keep their money there for decades. If you have many years before retirement, you can afford to ride out the waves and grow your money over the long term.

Stocks have suffered their first meaningful pullback since regaining their momentum in a rally that took them off last month's lows and more than erased the losses suffered after the April 2 rollout of President Donald Trump's sweeping tariff measures.

Investors have a chance to lock in higher yields of 4 or 5 percent, which is only slightly below long-term stock market returns, Braxton says. The bonds come with a lot less risk than stocks, making it a great time to diversify your portfolio between the two asset classes, she added.

Wall Street experts share what they think will drive stock market gains for the second half of the year.

Caution was returning to the stock market ahead of the long Memorial Day weekend, with bond markets set to close early on Friday.