Listeners, United States stock markets finished lower today, continuing a cautious streak after Monday's sharp declines. The Standard and Poor’s five hundred dropped sixty one point seven points to close at six thousand six hundred seventy two point four one, down zero point nine two percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost five hundred fifty seven point two four points, ending at forty six thousand five hundred ninety point two four, a fall of one point one eight percent. The Nasdaq Composite slipped one hundred ninety two point five one points to settle at twenty two thousand seven hundred eight point zero eight, down zero point eight four percent, with technology weakness especially notable ahead of a highly anticipated artificial intelligence company earnings announcement tomorrow, according to eOption and Benzinga.

A lack of positive catalysts, combined with renewed concern about interest rate policy and elevated stock valuations, kept investor sentiment muted. Many traders remain on the sidelines, awaiting fresh economic data releases that had been delayed by the recent government shutdown and the midweek corporate earnings from a leading chipmaker, as highlighted by XTB and eOption.

Among sectors, materials, financials, and energy posted the steepest declines for the second consecutive session, while communication services and utilities managed small gains, helping to cushion broader losses. Notable movers included Axalta Coating Systems, jumping over ten percent after an all-stock merger announcement. Molina Healthcare gained just over three percent on a sizable debt offering. In contrast, Home Depot shares sank more than seven percent after reporting weaker than expected third quarter earnings per share and trimming its full-year outlook, while Helmerich and Payne fell by more than eight percent following a quarterly loss. According to Benzinga and eOption, these stocks were among the most actively traded and featured the largest swings.

Economic releases today included durable goods and factory orders, as well as new data on the National Association of Home Builders Housing Index. Most U.S. macroeconomic statistics surprised to the downside and signaled continued sluggishness in areas like manufacturing and housing, which put downward pressure on equity prices, according to XTB and MarketScreener.

Looking ahead, United States futures remained under pressure following the market close, with pre-market indications for Wednesday pointing lower. Investors are especially focused on tomorrow’s earnings report from the major artificial intelligence company, which is expected to set the tone for technology stocks. Additionally, more delayed economic reports, including the all-important payrolls number, are expected later this week and could drive further volatility. Upcoming earnings include reports from several key technology, consumer, and healthcare names. Persistent questions around interest rate policy, inflation, and the pace of economic recovery will all provide potential catalysts moving forward.

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This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI