Major Averages Close Lower as Investors Digest Fed Policy
The major averages closed lower as investors digested the Federal Reserve's policy decision yesterday and watched news coming out of the Middle East. The Fed left interest rates unchanged, as expected, but signaled a more patient approach toward easing, reflecting concern that recent volatility in energy prices could keep inflation elevated in the near term.Meanwhile, volatility eased across asset classes as oil's early surge petered out, with stocks and bonds bouncing after Israel said it's helping the U.S. open the Strait of Hormuz. WTI oil fell below $93 per barrel in post-settlement trading.Get caught up quickly on the top news and calls moving stocks with these five Top Five lists.1. STOCK NEWS:Micronreported, provided upbeat Q3 guidance, and raised its quarterly dividend 30%AlibabareportedFive Belowreportedand provided its outlook for Q1 and FY26Dardenreported, though consolidated SSS rose 4.2%Uberwillin Rivian2. WALL STREET CALLS:Micronto Hold from Buy at Summit InsightsFive Belowto Outperform from Market Perform at William BlairCarnivalto Overweight at Morgan StanleyKinsale Capitalto Underperform at JefferiesOppenheimerFreshworksamid challenging operating environment3. AROUND THE WEB:Metasaid over social media that it will keep Horizon Worlds working in VR for existing gamesFDA inspectors found Boston Scientificpacemakers had battery issues, NY Times reportsFederal safety regulators are intensifying scrutiny of Tesla'sFull Self-Driving system over concerns about its performance in poor roadway conditions, WSJ saysAppleis stopping "vibe coding" apps from pushing updates, citing rules on running code, The Information reportsEcolabnearing deal to buy CoolIT from KKRfor $4.5B-$5B, WSJ reports4. MOVERS:DLocalgains after announcing aand announcing Q4 resultsTwo Harborsincreases after receiving an unsolicitedScholar Rockhigher after Cantor said that GenentechRed Catlower after, with EPS higher year-over-yearCanadian Solarfalls in New York afterand providing guidance for FY265. EARNINGS/GUIDANCE:Intuitive Machines, with revenue missing consensusAebi Schmidtand provided guidance for FY26Aveanna, with CEO Jeff Shaner commenting, "The strength and momentum of all three operating divisions can be seen in our fourth quarter results as we complete the third year of our Strategic Transformation"Signet Jewelersand provided guidance for Q1 and FY27Accenture, with EPS and revenue beating consensusINDEXES:The Dow fell 203.72, or 0.44%, to 46,021.43, the Nasdaq lost 61.73, or 0.28%, to 22,090.69, and the S&P 500 declined 18.21, or 0.27%, to 6,606.49.
