Stock Market: On Wednesday, US stocks experienced a decline during midday trading as investors grew concerned about a potential US debt default and awaited the release of minutes from the Federal Reserve’s last policy meeting.
Here are the key details:
- The S&P 500 (^GSPC) was down 0.95%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI) fell 0.86%, with a drop of over 200 points. The technology-focused Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC) slipped 1.02%.
- In the Treasury market, the yield on the benchmark 10-year note slightly increased to 3.73%. Two-year yields rose slightly to 4.38%, while 30-year bond yields ticked lower to 3.97%.
- Debt-ceiling negotiations in Washington are taking longer than expected, causing anxiety among investors who sought out safe-haven assets.
- Speaker Kevin McCarthy stated that a deal is still far off, despite expressing earlier that common ground could be found. No more meetings are currently planned, according to a top McCarthy lieutenant.
- There are concerns that the debt-ceiling issue could go down to the wire, with a potential vote on a deal taking place next week, just hours before Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen’s June 1 “X-date” deadline.
- Investors are also focused on the release of the Federal Open Market Committee minutes, which could provide insight into the central bank’s stance on interest rates.
- Stock markets are facing pressure due to China’s economic recovery and escalating tensions between the US and China over chips, signaling further uncertainty.
- In individual stock moves, Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (PANW) saw shares rise over 8% after reporting better-than-expected third-quarter adjusted earnings. Toll Brothers, Inc. (TOL) shares gained over 2% as the homebuilder exceeded profit and revenue expectations. PacWest Bancorp (PACW) shares declined over 1% after the bank sold its real estate lending arm.
- Several companies, including Abercrombie & Fitch (ANF), BMO (BMO), e.l.f. Beauty (ELF), Kohl’s (KSS), Nvidia (NVDA), Petco (WOOF), Red Robin (RRGB), and Snowflake (SNOW), are scheduled to release earnings results on Wednesday.