Major Indexes Steady Near Record Highs as Retail Earnings Approach

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        <h2><strong>Key S&amp;P 500 Movers on Monday</strong></h2>
        <p>18 minutes ago</p>

        <p><strong><u>Gainers</u></strong></p>
        <ul>
            <li><strong>Dayforce</strong> (<a href="https://www.investopedia.com/markets/quote?tvwidgetsymbol=day" target="_blank">DAY</a>) saw a dramatic 26% rise in its stock prices following news that Thoma Bravo, a private equity firm, is considering a buyout of the HR software company. Bloomberg indicated that a deal could be finalized within weeks.</li>
            <li><strong>First Solar</strong> (<a href="https://www.investopedia.com/markets/quote?tvwidgetsymbol=fslr" target="_blank">FSLR</a>) shares soared by 9.7% alongside other solar stocks after the U.S. Treasury provided guidance on clean energy tax credits. Analysts noted that the new guidelines, while limiting, were less restrictive than expected.</li>
            <li><strong>The Trade Desk</strong> (<a href="https://www.investopedia.com/markets/quote?tvwidgetsymbol=ttd" target="_blank">TTD</a>) experienced a 5.4% increase as the company reported a strong partnership with Walmart, assuaging previous concerns following a negative outlook earlier this month.</li>
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        <p><strong><u>Decliners</u></strong></p>
        <ul>
            <li><strong>EQT Corp.</strong> (<a href="https://www.investopedia.com/markets/quote?tvwidgetsymbol=eqt" target="_blank">EQT</a>) shares fell 4.4%, the most significant drop among S&amp;P 500 stocks, after Roth Capital downgraded EQT and other natural gas companies to "neutral." Analysts expressed concerns over a potential oversupply affecting prices.</li>
            <li><strong>Intel</strong> (<a href="https://www.investopedia.com/markets/quote?tvwidgetsymbol=intc" target="_blank">INTC</a>) saw a 3.7% decline amid speculation regarding potential government support, following its recent rally.</li>
            <li><strong>Electronic Arts</strong> (<a href="https://www.investopedia.com/markets/quote?tvwidgetsymbol=ea" target="_blank">EA</a>) shares dropped 3.2% after recent highs amid worries about the expectations for its forthcoming title, Battlefield 6.</li>
        </ul>
        <p>—<em>Michael Bromberg</em></p>
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        <h2><strong>Anticipating Powell's Upcoming Speech</strong></h2>
        <p>56 minutes ago</p>

        <p>Wall Street is keenly awaiting Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's address this Friday during the Jackson Hole economic summit, where he may indicate if the Fed is prepared to lower interest rates in the upcoming September meeting.</p>

        <p>Powell's scheduled speech, titled "Economic Outlook and Framework Review," at 10 a.m. ET could provide insights into the Fed’s approach to controlling inflation and its readiness to cut the benchmark federal funds rate from 4.25% to 4.5%.</p>

        <p>Historically, Powell has used this forum to hint at significant policy shifts. In 2024, he confirmed intentions to cut rates for the first time in over a year, after previously holding them high to target inflation.</p>

        <p>Experts predict that Powell might outline the Fed’s current challenges in balancing low inflation with maintaining employment, particularly as both indicators have displayed troubling trends of late.</p>

        <p>Analysts foresee three potential outcomes for the speech, given the critical nature of the economic landscape.</p>
        <p>—<em>Diccon Hyatt</em></p>
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        <h2><strong>Expectations from Home Improvement Retailers</strong></h2>
        <p>2 hr 20 min ago</p>

        <p>Upcoming earnings from Home Depot (<a href="https://www.investopedia.com/markets/quote?tvwidgetsymbol=HD" target="_blank">HD</a>) and Lowe's (<a href="https://www.investopedia.com/markets/quote?tvwidgetsymbol=LOW" target="_blank">LOW</a>) will shed light on affluent Americans' spending behavior amid high interest rates. </p>

        <p>Homeowners considering renovations have been a vital customer segment for these stores but have recently been hesitant due to soaring interest rates. However, Home Depot’s CEO noted some customers might be shifting away from waiting due to the likelihood of sustained borrowing costs.</p>

        <p>Market watchers anticipate insight on this trend when Home Depot shares its second-quarter results on Tuesday, followed by Lowe’s quarterly update on Wednesday.</p>

        <p>Both retailers reported dips in comparable store sales recently, with big-ticket items seeing a slight uptick. Still, overall foot traffic remains a concern.</p>

        <p>Analysts expect Home Depot to announce revenues of approximately $45.3 billion, an increase from last year's $43.2 billion.</p>
        <p>—<em>Sarina Trangle</em></p>
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