US markets end mostly in red on Tuesday

31 Jul 2024 Evaluate

The US markets ended mostly lower on Tuesday as traders looked ahead to the Federal Reserve's monetary policy announcement. The Fed is widely expected to leave interest rates unchanged, but the accompanying statement could have a significant impact on the outlook for the central bank's next decision in September. With Fed officials repeatedly saying they need greater confidence inflation is slowing before cutting rates, recent inflation data has led to optimism about a September rate cut. The steep drop by the Nasdaq came as tech stocks came under pressure as the day progressed, with AI darling and sector leader Nvidia (NVDA) plunging by 7.0 percent to a two-month closing low. Microsoft (MSFT) and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) also moved to the downside ahead of the release of their quarterly results after the close of today's trading. 

The weakness in the sector have reflected concerns the earnings won't be strong enough to support further upside after tech stocks helped lead the markets to record highs earlier this month. Among tech stocks, semiconductor stocks turned in some of the worst performances, resulting in a 3.9 percent nosedive by the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index. The index slumped to its lowest closing level in well over two months. Shares of Lattice Semiconductor (LSCC) plummeted by 9.4 after the chipmaker reported weaker than expected second quarter results and provided disappointing third quarter revenue guidance. Computer hardware are saw significant weakness on the day, dragging the NYSE Arca Computer Hardware Index down by 2.2 percent.

Nasdaq fell 222.78 points or 1.28 percent to 17,147.42 and S&P 500 was down by 27.1 points or 0.5 percent to 5,436.44, Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 203.4 points or 0.5 percent to 40,743.33.  


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