The S&P 500 soared to a new high, stopping just short of the 5,000 mark. Disney surpassed earnings forecasts and made a series of significant announcements that seemed to be aimed at thwarting opposition from activist investor Nelson Peltz. Investors are once again keeping a close eye on regional banks as New York Community Bank grapples with concerns about its financial stability. With the release of weekly jobless claims data, there is much anticipation about whether equities will reach record highs on Thursday.
A strong earnings season is propelling U.S. stocks to unprecedented levels, with the widespread S&P 500 index climbing about 0.8% on Wednesday, ending just below 5,000 to secure a record closing. The Nasdaq Composite and Dow Jones Industrial Average also experienced gains. Shares of Walt Disney skyrocketed in premarket trading following the media giant’s announcement of robust earnings growth without a substantial increase in sales. The upcoming weekly jobless claims data will play a crucial role in determining whether equities hit record highs on Thursday.
Amid the one-year anniversary of the March 2023 crisis, investors are once again closely monitoring the status of regional banks. Moody’s Investors Service downgraded New York Community Bank’s credit rating to junk, causing its shares to fluctuate. Hedge fund billionaire Bill Ackman is planning to launch a new investment vehicle listed on the New York Stock Exchange with the aim of broadening his appeal among Main Street investors. Additionally, Arm, a company that designs chips for smartphones and other devices, exceeded earnings forecasts and provided a positive forecast, leading its shares to soar as much as 41% in extended trading. The stock market is increasingly influenced by technology companies and the potential growth fueled by AI.
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