Stocks Edge Higher as Inflation Data Meets Expectations

US stocks ended May on a high note, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq achieving their best May performances since 2003, and the Dow its best since 2020. The Dow rose 1.5%, the S&P 500 increased by 0.8%, and the Nasdaq finished just below the flatline. Nvidia shares fell 0.8% as investors took profits. The core PCE index showed a 0.2% rise in April, indicating persistent price increases. Bond yields fell, with the 10-year Treasury dropping to around 4.5%. Dell's shares plunged 17% due to disappointing AI server sales, while Gap's stock surged 28% following strong earnings.