U.S. Stocks Slip Amid Fed Chair Uncertainty and Geopolitical Concerns Ahead of Earnings

U.S. stocks ended the week with modest losses amid uncertainty over President Trump's potential Federal Reserve chair nominee, economic adviser Kevin Hassett, who may remain in his current role. Despite solid earnings from banks and chipmakers, concerns over Trump's proposed credit card interest rate cap and geopolitical tensions, including unrest in Iran and Venezuela, weighed on markets. The U.S. dollar strengthened, reaching a six-week high, while investors awaited further earnings reports to gauge economic fundamentals.