US stock markets ended on a mixed note Tuesday as investors weighed a flurry of corporate earnings reports alongside new developments in international trade. The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged up by 0.4% to close at 34,500. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 gained a modest 0.06% to end at 4,300, marking another record close. In contrast, the Nasdaq Composite dipped by 0.39% to settle at 13,500, pressured by declines in major technology stocks.
Out of the 11 primary sectors in the S&P 500, nine finished in positive territory. Health care and real estate led the gains, rising by 1.9% and 1.78%, respectively. However, the technology and communication services sectors were the laggards, falling by 1.08% and 0.31%.
Markets recovered from earlier losses following news of a new trade agreement between the United States and the Philippines, sparking optimism about future international trade progress. Investors have been closely monitoring corporate earnings, with over 80% of the companies that have reported so far surpassing analysts’ expectations, according to market data firm FactSet.
All eyes are now on upcoming earnings reports from tech giants like Alphabet and Tesla. These early reports from some of the largest tech firms, often referred to as the “Magnificent Seven,” could set the tone for the rest of the earnings season.
