Major Averages Close Mixed Amid Escalating Geopolitical Tensions
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Apr 27 2026
0mins
The major averages had a mixed close amid stalled peace negotiations between the U.S. and Iran as well as new escalation in the Strait of Hormuz. Investors are also balancing continued strength in corporate earnings and AI-driven optimism with rising geopolitical tension and macro uncertainty.Get caught up quickly on the top news and calls moving stocks with these five Top Five lists.1. STOCK NEWS:Verizonprovided areport for Q1Domino's Pizzareportedand announced an additional $1B share repurchase programShellARC Resourcesfor C$32.80 per shareSun PharmaOrganonfor $14 per share in an all-cash transactionChina has blocked Meta's2. WALL STREET CALLS:Snapto Buy at Rothschild & Co RedburnRothschildPinterestto Neutral from BuyMizuhoAdobeon intensifying competition from AIMizuhoCrowdStrike, citing "numerous exciting growth avenues"Campbell'sto Market Perform at Bernstein3. AROUND THE WEB:Rogers Communicationsis offering voluntary buyouts to half of its staff, Globe and Mail reportsGoogleemployees are urging CEO Sundar Pichai to block military AI use, FT reportsSamsungplans to withdraw from China's home appliance and television market this year, Nikkei Asia reportsBig tech companies are preparing to spend hundreds of billions of dollars on AI infrastructure, with most of their plans dependent on ASML, WSJ saysBayeris hoping the U.S. Supreme Court can reduce or simplify the lawsuits over its Roundup weedkiller and potentially corral litigation that has cost the company over $10B, Bloomberg says4. MOVERS:Veradermicsgained after announcing its Phase 2/3 trial of VDPHL01RE/MAX Holdingsincreased after announcing it will befor $13.80 per shareFlowserve (FLS) rose afterthat Starboard has built a stake in the company and is pushing for changesCompass Therapeuticswas lower afterfrom its COMPANION-002 studyPoet Technologiesfell afterof Celestial AI purchase orders5. EARNINGS/GUIDANCE:Lakeland Financial, with CEO David Findlay commenting, "We started 2026 with robust, record net income for the second consecutive quarter"HBT Financial, with EPS and revenue beating consensusRepay Holdingsreportedand reaffirmed its guidance for FY26WWreaffirmed itsand FY26 financial guidanceGold RoyaltyreportedINDEXES:The Dow fell 62.92, or 0.13%, to 49,167.79, the Nasdaq gained 50.50, or 0.20%, to 24,887.10, and the S&P 500 advanced 8.83, or 0.12%, to 7,173.91.
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Analyst Views on VZ
Wall Street analysts forecast VZ stock price to rise
14 Analyst Rating
4 Buy
10 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 45.840
Low
43.00
Averages
46.42
High
51.00
Current: 45.840
Low
43.00
Averages
46.42
High
51.00
About VZ
Verizon Communications Inc. is a holding company. The Company, through its subsidiaries, provides communications, technology, information and streaming products and services to consumers, businesses and government entities. Its Consumer segment provides wireless and wireline communications services. It also provides fixed wireless access (FWA) broadband through its 5G or 4G Long-Term Evolution (LTE) networks portfolio. The Company's Business segment provides wireless and wireline communications services and products, including FWA broadband, data, video and advanced communication services, corporate networking solutions, security and managed network services, local and long-distance voice services and network access to deliver various Internet of Things (IoT) services and products. It provides these products and services to businesses, public sector customers and wireless and wireline carriers across the U.S. and a subset of these products and services to customers around the world.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Analysis of Verizon Communications' Investment Appeal
- Attractive Dividend Yield: Verizon Communications boasts a current dividend yield of 6%, with a modest average annual growth rate of 2.4% over the past five years, yet its consistent 20-year dividend increase record and a payout ratio of 67% indicate ample room for future growth.
- Market Resilience: With a low beta of 0.22, Verizon's stock is expected to decline only about 2.2% if the market drops by 10%, making it a solid investment choice during economic uncertainty, particularly for risk-averse investors.
- Performance Growth Outlook: The company reported a year-over-year revenue growth of 2.9% in Q1, with non-GAAP EPS rising by 7.6%, and has raised its full-year adjusted EPS growth guidance from 4%-5% to 5%-6%, reflecting management's confidence in future performance.
- Cash Flow Projections: Verizon reaffirmed its 2026 free cash flow outlook of $21.5 billion or more, indicating at least 7% growth, which provides robust support for future investments and dividend payments.
See More
Verizon Communications Attracts Investors with 6% Dividend Yield
- Attractive Dividend Yield: Verizon Communications offers a substantial 6% dividend yield, with a reasonable payout ratio ensuring the safety of these payments, indicating the company's ability to provide stable returns even during economic fluctuations.
- Consistent Dividend Growth: Although the average annual growth rate of dividends over the past five years is only 2.4%, Verizon has increased its dividends for 20 consecutive years, with a recent 2.5% hike reinforcing its appeal as a stable investment.
- Strong Financial Performance: With a payout ratio around 67%, Verizon pays out only 67% of its earnings in dividends, leaving ample room for future growth investments, thereby enhancing its long-term investment value.
- Stable Market Performance: Over the past decade, Verizon's stock has averaged a 3.2% annual growth rate, with a notable 14.8% growth rate in the last three years, demonstrating solid growth potential amidst market volatility.
See More
Warren Buffett: Wisdom in Holding Growth Stocks Long-Term
- Joby Aviation Outlook: Joby Aviation leads the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) market with its S4 eVTOL capable of carrying a pilot and four passengers for 150 miles on a single charge, with revenue expected to surge from $53 million to $458 million between 2025 and 2028, indicating significant market potential despite current unprofitability.
- AST SpaceMobile Expansion Plans: AST SpaceMobile focuses on developing low Earth orbit satellites to assist AT&T and Verizon in expanding wireless networks, with revenue projected to grow from $71 million to $1.88 billion from 2025 to 2028, supported by FCC approval of its ambitious expansion plans, reflecting strong market demand.
- QuantumScape Battery Technology: QuantumScape's solid-state batteries outperform traditional lithium-ion batteries in thermal resistance, charging speed, and capacity, with anticipated revenues of $51 million in 2027 and $99 million in 2028, presenting substantial long-term gains if successful commercialization occurs.
- Investment Opportunities Amid Volatility: Despite short-term fluctuations in the stocks of Joby Aviation, AST SpaceMobile, and QuantumScape, Buffett's investment philosophy emphasizes the importance of holding these growth stocks long-term to capture potential benefits from future market expansion and technological advancements.
See More
US Stocks Plunge as Tech Sector Weighs Down Market
- Market Weakness: On Wednesday, the S&P 500 Index fell by 1.21%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped by 0.98%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index declined by 0.99%, reflecting market concerns over potential interest rate hikes by the Fed, particularly amid weak performance in technology stocks.
- Economic Data Support: Despite the market downturn, US May retail sales rose by 0.9% month-over-month, surpassing expectations of 0.6%, indicating resilient consumer demand, while pending home sales increased by 3.8% month-over-month, marking the largest gain in 20 months, potentially providing some support to the market.
- Fed Policy Outlook: The Fed maintained interest rates at its meeting on Wednesday but indicated through its dot plot that at least one more 25 basis point hike is expected this year, with the 2026 year-end federal funds rate projection raised to 3.75%, reflecting a cautious outlook on future economic conditions.
- International Market Response: While US stocks declined, overseas markets performed strongly, with the Euro Stoxx 50 reaching a new record high and closing up 0.68%, demonstrating global investor confidence in economic recovery, which may contrast with the US market's performance.
See More
Mixed Performance in US Stock Indices, Chipmakers Lead Gains
- Strong Economic Data: US May retail sales rose 0.9% month-over-month, exceeding expectations of 0.6%, indicating resilient consumer demand that could positively impact future spending and economic recovery.
- Housing Market Recovery: Pending home sales in May increased by 3.8% month-over-month, significantly surpassing the expected 0.9%, marking the largest gain in 20 months, suggesting a rebound in the real estate market that may stimulate growth in related sectors.
- Oil Price Volatility: The agreement between the US and Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz has driven crude oil prices down to a 3.5-month low, increasing risk-on sentiment in the market, which may lead investors to reassess the risks and returns of energy-related assets.
- FOMC Meeting Focus: The market anticipates that the Federal Reserve will keep interest rates unchanged, but the press conference by new Chair Kevin Warsh will be pivotal, as investors closely watch his outlook on inflation to guide future investment decisions.
See More
U.S. Stocks Rise, Led by Chipmakers Amid Strong Retail Sales
- Strong Market Performance: The S&P 500 index rose by 0.23%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 0.26%, and the Nasdaq 100 climbed by 0.74%, reflecting market confidence in economic recovery, particularly driven by strong performances from chipmakers.
- Retail Sales Exceed Expectations: U.S. May retail sales increased by 0.9% month-over-month, surpassing the expected 0.6%, indicating resilient consumer demand that could further stimulate economic growth and influence future monetary policy.
- Oil Price Decline Affects Market Sentiment: The agreement between the U.S. and Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz has led to crude oil prices dropping to a 3.5-month low, enhancing risk-on sentiment in the markets and contributing to stock gains.
- FOMC Meeting in Focus: Market participants are closely watching the outcome of the FOMC meeting, where interest rates are expected to remain unchanged, but the guidance from new Chair Kevin Warsh will significantly impact market sentiment.
See More
Analysis of Verizon Communications' Investment Appeal
- Attractive Dividend Yield: Verizon Communications boasts a current dividend yield of 6%, with a modest average annual growth rate of 2.4% over the past five years, yet its consistent 20-year dividend increase record and a payout ratio of 67% indicate ample room for future growth.
- Market Resilience: With a low beta of 0.22, Verizon's stock is expected to decline only about 2.2% if the market drops by 10%, making it a solid investment choice during economic uncertainty, particularly for risk-averse investors.
- Performance Growth Outlook: The company reported a year-over-year revenue growth of 2.9% in Q1, with non-GAAP EPS rising by 7.6%, and has raised its full-year adjusted EPS growth guidance from 4%-5% to 5%-6%, reflecting management's confidence in future performance.
- Cash Flow Projections: Verizon reaffirmed its 2026 free cash flow outlook of $21.5 billion or more, indicating at least 7% growth, which provides robust support for future investments and dividend payments.
See More
Verizon Communications Attracts Investors with 6% Dividend Yield
- Attractive Dividend Yield: Verizon Communications offers a substantial 6% dividend yield, with a reasonable payout ratio ensuring the safety of these payments, indicating the company's ability to provide stable returns even during economic fluctuations.
- Consistent Dividend Growth: Although the average annual growth rate of dividends over the past five years is only 2.4%, Verizon has increased its dividends for 20 consecutive years, with a recent 2.5% hike reinforcing its appeal as a stable investment.
- Strong Financial Performance: With a payout ratio around 67%, Verizon pays out only 67% of its earnings in dividends, leaving ample room for future growth investments, thereby enhancing its long-term investment value.
- Stable Market Performance: Over the past decade, Verizon's stock has averaged a 3.2% annual growth rate, with a notable 14.8% growth rate in the last three years, demonstrating solid growth potential amidst market volatility.
See More
Warren Buffett: Wisdom in Holding Growth Stocks Long-Term
- Joby Aviation Outlook: Joby Aviation leads the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) market with its S4 eVTOL capable of carrying a pilot and four passengers for 150 miles on a single charge, with revenue expected to surge from $53 million to $458 million between 2025 and 2028, indicating significant market potential despite current unprofitability.
- AST SpaceMobile Expansion Plans: AST SpaceMobile focuses on developing low Earth orbit satellites to assist AT&T and Verizon in expanding wireless networks, with revenue projected to grow from $71 million to $1.88 billion from 2025 to 2028, supported by FCC approval of its ambitious expansion plans, reflecting strong market demand.
- QuantumScape Battery Technology: QuantumScape's solid-state batteries outperform traditional lithium-ion batteries in thermal resistance, charging speed, and capacity, with anticipated revenues of $51 million in 2027 and $99 million in 2028, presenting substantial long-term gains if successful commercialization occurs.
- Investment Opportunities Amid Volatility: Despite short-term fluctuations in the stocks of Joby Aviation, AST SpaceMobile, and QuantumScape, Buffett's investment philosophy emphasizes the importance of holding these growth stocks long-term to capture potential benefits from future market expansion and technological advancements.
See More
US Stocks Plunge as Tech Sector Weighs Down Market
- Market Weakness: On Wednesday, the S&P 500 Index fell by 1.21%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped by 0.98%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index declined by 0.99%, reflecting market concerns over potential interest rate hikes by the Fed, particularly amid weak performance in technology stocks.
- Economic Data Support: Despite the market downturn, US May retail sales rose by 0.9% month-over-month, surpassing expectations of 0.6%, indicating resilient consumer demand, while pending home sales increased by 3.8% month-over-month, marking the largest gain in 20 months, potentially providing some support to the market.
- Fed Policy Outlook: The Fed maintained interest rates at its meeting on Wednesday but indicated through its dot plot that at least one more 25 basis point hike is expected this year, with the 2026 year-end federal funds rate projection raised to 3.75%, reflecting a cautious outlook on future economic conditions.
- International Market Response: While US stocks declined, overseas markets performed strongly, with the Euro Stoxx 50 reaching a new record high and closing up 0.68%, demonstrating global investor confidence in economic recovery, which may contrast with the US market's performance.
See More
Mixed Performance in US Stock Indices, Chipmakers Lead Gains
- Strong Economic Data: US May retail sales rose 0.9% month-over-month, exceeding expectations of 0.6%, indicating resilient consumer demand that could positively impact future spending and economic recovery.
- Housing Market Recovery: Pending home sales in May increased by 3.8% month-over-month, significantly surpassing the expected 0.9%, marking the largest gain in 20 months, suggesting a rebound in the real estate market that may stimulate growth in related sectors.
- Oil Price Volatility: The agreement between the US and Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz has driven crude oil prices down to a 3.5-month low, increasing risk-on sentiment in the market, which may lead investors to reassess the risks and returns of energy-related assets.
- FOMC Meeting Focus: The market anticipates that the Federal Reserve will keep interest rates unchanged, but the press conference by new Chair Kevin Warsh will be pivotal, as investors closely watch his outlook on inflation to guide future investment decisions.
See More
U.S. Stocks Rise, Led by Chipmakers Amid Strong Retail Sales
- Strong Market Performance: The S&P 500 index rose by 0.23%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 0.26%, and the Nasdaq 100 climbed by 0.74%, reflecting market confidence in economic recovery, particularly driven by strong performances from chipmakers.
- Retail Sales Exceed Expectations: U.S. May retail sales increased by 0.9% month-over-month, surpassing the expected 0.6%, indicating resilient consumer demand that could further stimulate economic growth and influence future monetary policy.
- Oil Price Decline Affects Market Sentiment: The agreement between the U.S. and Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz has led to crude oil prices dropping to a 3.5-month low, enhancing risk-on sentiment in the markets and contributing to stock gains.
- FOMC Meeting in Focus: Market participants are closely watching the outcome of the FOMC meeting, where interest rates are expected to remain unchanged, but the guidance from new Chair Kevin Warsh will significantly impact market sentiment.
See More
