U.S. markets closed mixed Tuesday as the Nasdaq managed to post a modest gain, while the Dow and S&P 500 edged lower amid cautious trading ahead of Thursday’s CPI report and the start of earnings season. The Dow was weighed down by industrial and consumer staples weakness—Deere & Co. (DE) slipped on concerns about global machinery demand, and Procter & Gamble (PG) fell following a broker downgrade. The Nasdaq gained as select megacap and AI-related tech stocks advanced, though broader tech performance was uneven; Zoom Video (ZM) dipped on soft enterprise trends, while Arm Holdings (ARM) fell after a valuation downgrade. Financials remained under pressure, with Goldman Sachs (GS) and Fifth Third Bancorp (FITB) declining ahead of Q2 results. In healthcare, Bristol Myers Squibb (BMY) slipped on cautious pricing outlooks, while Humana (HUM) ticked higher on reaffirmed Medicare enrollment strength. In consumer names, Nike (NKE) dropped on soft digital traffic, and Royal Caribbean (RCL) gave back some gains following its June rally. With key data and earnings on deck, markets reflected a blend of selective optimism and defensive recalibration. Market Drivers: 📱Technology: Arm Retreats, Zoom Slides: Arm Holdings (ARM) fell after a valuation downgrade and soft sentiment in chip-related names. Zoom Video Communications (ZM) declined as analysts flagged slowing enterprise momentum and rising competition in the collaboration software space. 🏦 Financials: Goldman Slips, Fifth Third Dips: Goldman Sachs (GS) edged lower ahead of Q2 earnings, as investors positioned cautiously around investment banking revenue. Fifth Third Bancorp (FITB) also declined on concerns about regional loan demand and elevated deposit costs. 🚗 Automotive: Toyota Eases, Rivian Pulls Back: Toyota Motor (TM) slipped following weaker global production data and ongoing chip supply concerns. Rivian Automotive (RIVN) fell as traders reassessed valuation and delivery pacing amid cost-cutting headlines. 🏥 Healthcare: Bristol Myers Drops, Humana Gains: Bristol Myers Squibb (BMY) declined after offering subdued pricing guidance for key therapies. Humana (HUM), however, gained modestly on reaffirmed Medicare Advantage enrollment trends and cost control commentary. 🍔 Consumer Discretionary: Nike Declines, Royal Caribbean Cools: Nike (NKE) dropped after a report showed slower growth in digital sales and weakening demand in Asia. Royal Caribbean (RCL) pulled back slightly as traders locked in gains following a strong pre-holiday run-up in cruise names. Want more income? Hold these stocks for the long haul[ad] |