Dow Jones Dips Slightly Amid Political Pressure

The major averages were mixed near noon, with the Dow Jones marginally in the red as traders react to an escalation in political pressure on the Federal Reserve. The Trump administration threatening a criminal indictment of Fed Chair Jerome Powell has renewed concerns about the independence of the central bank. Banking stocks and credit card lenders also have taken early hits because of policy proposals such as a one-year cap on credit-card interest rates that could compress financial sector profitability.With key inflation data and the start of earnings season approaching, traders are monitoring how persistent inflation signals might influence the Fed's policy path, even as central bank independence concerns loom large.Looking to commodities, gold shares surged past the $4,600 threshold to hit record highs, with the "safe haven" asset rising nearly 3%. Oil prices were also fractionally higher as traders await more news surrounding Venezuela.Get caught up quickly on the top news and calls moving stocks with these five Top Five lists.1. STOCK NEWS:Alphabetbriefly hit thethreshold as Applepicked Google's Gemini to run an AI-powered SiriMeanwhile, Google and Walmartplan to launch a new experience for shopping thatAdditionally, Walmart will become a component of theParamount Skydanceplans toto Warner Bros. Discovery'sboardAllegiantSun Country Airlinesfor $18.89 per share in cash and stock2. WALL STREET CALLS:CitiPalantirto Buy on potential 80% sales growth in 2026Morgan StanleyAkamaito Overweight from UnderweightNetflixwith a Buy at HSBCCrowdStriketo Sector Weight at KeyBancGitLabto Underweight at Barclays and Equal Weight at Morgan Stanley3. AROUND THE WEB:President Trump may block Exxon Mobilfrom drilling in Venezuela after the company's CEO said the country was "uninvestable" without significant commercial and legal changes, WSJ saysIn 2025, global smartphone shipments increased by 2% year-over-year, with Appleleading the market with a 20% share supported by demand in mid-sized markets and strong iPhone 17 sales, Reuters reportsThe Federal Aviation Administration, FAA, has approved Boeing'sMAX 10, the largest variant of its 737 MAX jet, to move to the second phase of flight testing, Reuters saysLast year, Volkswagenwas overtaken by Geely Autoin sales in China, Reuters reportsWalmartplans to launch delivery-by-drone at an additional 150 stores over the next year, WSJ reports4. MOVERS:Albemarlehigher after Scotiabankthe stock to Outperform from Sector PerformVistrarises after at least three analystson the sharesShake Shackgains after reportingCapital Onefalls after President Trump called for ainterest for one yearSoleno Therapeuticslower after5. EARNINGS/GUIDANCEUsanaraised itsPetcobacked itsDexComreportedand provided guidance for FY26Alphatecraised itsand provided its outlook for Q4 and FY26Lululemonsees Q4 revenueof prior guidanceINDEXES:Near midday, the Dow was down 0.08%, or 41.39, to 49,462.68, the Nasdaq was up 0.29%, or 69.48, to 23,740.82, and the S&P 500 was up 0.09%, or 6.51, to 6,972.79.