Stock market today: Live updates
U.S. Stock markets experienced a mixed session on Monday as investors braced for the release of key economic data and continued to assess recent earnings reports. The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite held relatively steady following a week that saw the Dow surpass the 50,000-point milestone.
Market Performance
The Dow Jones Industrial Average shed 242 points, representing a 0.5% decrease. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite both traded near the flatline. This follows a Friday rally that saw the Dow exceed 50,000 for the first time, a rebound from earlier losses triggered by a sell-off in the tech sector.
Stock Movers
Oracle shares rose 8% after receiving an upgrade to buy from neutral at D.A. Davidson, driven by optimism surrounding OpenAI and its related companies. Conversely, Micron Technology saw a 3% decline in its stock price amid concerns about increased competition.
Economic Data on the Horizon
Investors are now focused on the delayed January jobs report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, scheduled for release on Wednesday. The report is anticipated to show a gain of 55,000 jobs, according to economists polled by Dow Jones. Last week, ADP reported a modest increase of 22,000 private payrolls in January, falling short of expectations.
The January consumer price index reading, also delayed by the government shutdown, is set to be released on Friday, with a consensus forecast of a 2.5% annual rate.
Tech Sector Dynamics
Recent market activity has shown a rotation out of tech stocks, a trend that could continue this week depending on upcoming earnings reports. Adam Turnquist, chief technical strategist at LPL Financial, noted that the tech sector remains rangebound and needs to break above December highs for sustainable progress. He anticipates the S&P 500 may struggle to reach 7,000 without renewed participation from the tech sector, particularly software companies.
Coca-Cola and Ford Motor are both scheduled to report earnings on Tuesday, potentially influencing the ongoing market rotation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the recent market volatility?
A sell-off in the tech sector, particularly software stocks, sparked recent losses. This was followed by a rebound on Friday as buyers returned to the software space.
When will the January jobs report be released?
The January jobs report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics is scheduled for release on Wednesday after being postponed due to the partial government shutdown.
Which companies are reporting earnings this week?
Coca-Cola and Ford Motor are both slated to report earnings on Tuesday.
How will the upcoming economic data releases influence investor sentiment in the short term?