Stocks Trim Gains On Slower Jobs Growth, Dollar Falls Ahead Of Fed Minutes; Target Rallies, Macy's Tumbles: What's Driving Markets Wednesday?
Portfolio Pulse from Piero Cingari
Stocks trimmed gains on Wednesday due to a downward revision in nonfarm payrolls, indicating a weaker labor market. Target surged on strong earnings, while Macy's fell after lowering revenue guidance. Investors are anticipating the Fed's July meeting minutes.

August 21, 2024 | 5:47 pm
News sentiment analysis
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NEGATIVE IMPACT
Macy's Inc. shares plummeted 13% after the company reduced its revenue guidance for the fiscal year.
The reduction in revenue guidance suggests potential challenges ahead for Macy's, likely leading to a negative short-term impact on its stock price.
CONFIDENCE 85
IMPORTANCE 75
RELEVANCE 85
NEGATIVE IMPACT
The Financials Select Sector SPDR Fund fell 0.4%, underperforming as financial stocks faced pressure.
XLF's decline indicates challenges in the financial sector, possibly due to interest rate expectations.
CONFIDENCE 75
IMPORTANCE 50
RELEVANCE 60
NEUTRAL IMPACT
The SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average remained flat as investors await Fed minutes for further direction.
The DIA's lack of movement reflects investor caution and anticipation of upcoming Fed insights.
CONFIDENCE 80
IMPORTANCE 60
RELEVANCE 70
NEUTRAL IMPACT
The Invesco QQQ Trust Series gained 0.2% as tech stocks showed resilience despite broader market uncertainties.
The QQQ's performance indicates stability in tech stocks, which are less affected by the revised jobs data.
CONFIDENCE 80
IMPORTANCE 60
RELEVANCE 70
NEUTRAL IMPACT
The SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust rose 0.2% amid a mixed market response to revised jobs data and anticipation of Fed minutes.
The SPY's slight gain reflects a cautious market response to mixed economic signals, with investors awaiting further clarity from the Fed.
CONFIDENCE 80
IMPORTANCE 60
RELEVANCE 70
POSITIVE IMPACT
The iShares Russell 2000 ETF rose 0.6%, outperforming major indices as small-cap stocks gained traction.
The IWM's outperformance suggests increased investor interest in small-cap stocks, potentially driving further gains.
CONFIDENCE 80
IMPORTANCE 60
RELEVANCE 70
POSITIVE IMPACT
Target Corp. shares rallied over 12% following stronger-than-expected quarterly results and several analysts raising their price targets.
Target's strong earnings report and subsequent analyst upgrades are likely to boost investor confidence, driving the stock price higher in the short term.
CONFIDENCE 90
IMPORTANCE 80
RELEVANCE 90
POSITIVE IMPACT
The Materials Select Sector SPDR Fund increased by 0.9%, reflecting strength in the materials sector.
XLB's rise suggests positive sentiment in the materials sector, possibly due to sector-specific factors.
CONFIDENCE 75
IMPORTANCE 50
RELEVANCE 60
POSITIVE IMPACT
The Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund rose 0.9%, benefiting from a defensive shift amid market uncertainties.
XLU's gain indicates a defensive move by investors, favoring utilities amid economic uncertainties.
CONFIDENCE 75
IMPORTANCE 50
RELEVANCE 60