End of Day Market Recap: Why Was the Market Up Today? – October 29, 2024
Major Market Indexes Close Higher Amid Tech Earnings Anticipation
The U.S. stock market ended Tuesday, October 29, 2024, on a positive note, with all three major indexes closing in the green. The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) gained 0.3% to close at 5,823.52, the Dow Jones Industrial Average ($DOWI) rose 0.7% to 42,387.57, and the Nasdaq Composite advanced 0.3% to 18,567.19. This upward movement came as investors braced for a slew of key tech earnings reports and important economic data releases later in the week.
Tech Giants in Focus as Earnings Season Peaks
The market’s positive performance today was largely driven by anticipation surrounding the earnings reports of major tech companies. Alphabet (GOOGL) is set to release its earnings after today’s close, with its stock up 0.9% in anticipation. Other tech giants are also seeing movement, with Microsoft (MSFT) and Meta Platforms (META) both up 0.3%, and Apple (AAPL) up 0.2%. These companies, part of the “Magnificent Seven,” are scheduled to report their earnings throughout the week, with Meta and Microsoft reporting on Wednesday, followed by Amazon and Apple on Thursday.
Sector Performance and Notable Stock Movements
The market saw mixed performance across various sectors:
1. Financials, Materials, and Utilities sectors led the gains, with the Financial Select Sector SPDR (XLF) up 1.2%, and both the Materials Select Sector SPDR (XLB) and Utilities Care Select Sector SPDR (XLU) up 0.8%.
2. Oil-related stocks remained weak despite a slight rebound in crude oil prices. Chevron (CVX) fell 0.8%, Exxon Mobil (XOM) dropped 0.7%, and Occidental Petroleum (OXY) declined 0.5%.
3. Airline and transportation stocks showed mixed results following Monday’s rally due to falling oil prices. Delta Air Lines (DAL) rose 0.7%, while United Airlines Holdings (UAL) dipped 0.2%.
4. Ford Motor Company (F) saw a significant decline of over 9% due to concerns about high costs impacting profit margins.
5. The homebuilder sector faced pressure after DR Horton (DHI) fell 12% on disappointing 2025 revenue forecasts, affecting other companies in the sector.
Economic Data and Market Outlook
Several economic factors are influencing market sentiment:
1. The U.S. trade deficit widened to $108.2 billion in September, exceeding expectations and potentially impacting Q3 GDP negatively.
2. Home price reports came in stronger than expected, with the S&P CoreLogic CS 20-City US home price index rising 0.35% month-over-month and 5.20% year-over-year.
3. Investors are closely watching for Thursday’s PCE price deflator report and Friday’s October unemployment data, which could provide insights into the Federal Reserve’s future policy decisions.
4. The 10-year Treasury note yield reached a new 3-3/4 month high, putting some pressure on stocks.
Looking Ahead: Key Events and Market Catalysts
As we move through the week, several factors could impact market performance:
1. Earnings reports from over 40% of the S&P 500’s market cap, with tech giants taking center stage.
2. Economic data releases, including inflation and employment figures.
3. Ongoing geopolitical developments, particularly in the Middle East, which continue to influence oil prices and market sentiment.
4. The upcoming U.S. election next Tuesday, which is creating some uncertainty in the markets.
Conclusion: Market Resilience Amid Mixed Signals
Today’s market performance demonstrates resilience in the face of mixed economic signals and anticipation of key events. The positive close across major indexes suggests that investors are cautiously optimistic about upcoming earnings reports, particularly from the tech sector. However, concerns about inflation, interest rates, and geopolitical tensions continue to linger in the background.
As we progress through this crucial earnings week and approach significant economic data releases, market volatility may increase. Investors should stay tuned to these developments, as they will likely shape market trends in the coming days and weeks.
