The Federal Reserve was top of mind for investors Monday, with the central bank's next policy decision – a likely 75 basis-point rate hike – due out Wednesday. This led to back-and-forth trading for much of the session, though the major market indexes ultimately ended in positive territory today.
While the economic calendar is relatively thin over the next few days, Wall Street will see a round of housing data in the leadup to the Fed announcement. Today, that was the release of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo housing market index, which showed builder confidence fell 3 points in September to 46, its lowest level since spring 2020. This was the ninth straight monthly drop in the index, and came amid a "combination of elevated interest rates, persistent building material supply-chain disruptions and high home prices [that] continue to take a toll on affordability," the report stated.
"We expect the other housing market releases this week (housing starts, existing home sales and building permits) will show similar weakness," says Raymond James economist Giampiero Fuentes. "Bad news continues to be good news for the Fed, as it indicates its tightening cycle is working to slow demand."
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
In terms of sector performance, materials stocks (+1.7%) were the leaders. Healthcare (-0.5%), meanwhile, lagged as COVID-19 vaccine makers like Pfizer (PFE, -1.3%) and Moderna (MRNA, -7.1%) slid after President Joe Biden said in last night's "60 Minutes" interview that "the pandemic is over."
As for the major indexes, the Nasdaq Composite rose 0.8% to 11,535, while the S&P 500 Index (+0.7% at 3,899) and the Dow Jones Industrial Average (+0.6% at 31,019) also closed higher.
Other news in the stock market today:
- The small-cap Russell 2000 gained 0.8% to 1,812.
- U.S. crude futures rose 0.7% to finish at $85.73 per barrel.
- Gold futures slipped 0.3% to settle at $1,678.20 an ounce.
- Bitcoin shed 0.3% to $19,561.50. (Bitcoin trades 24 hours a day; prices reported here are as of 4 p.m.)
- AutoZone (AZO) fell 3.1% after the auto parts retailer reported earnings. In its fiscal fourth quarter, AZO recorded earnings of $40.51 per share and revenue of $5.35 billion, both higher than analysts were expecting. Same-store sales growth of 6.2% also beat the consensus estimate. "We think the release will go a long way towards easing investor concerns regarding a slowdown in DIY auto aftermarket sales after Advance Auto Parts' earnings miss and guidance cut last month, which it blamed on weak DIY demand," says CFRA Research analyst Garrett Nelson. "We maintain a Hold on valuation, noting that AZO has been the best-performing auto aftermarket stock so far this year."
- Airline stocks were some of the best performers today. Among those taking flight were American Airlines (AAL, +3.4%), Delta Air Lines (DAL, +2.6%) and United Airlines (UAL, +3.3%).
Why Investors Should Consider EV Stocks
Rising interest rates have made it a particularly difficult year for growth stocks. This is because higher rates can boost borrowing costs for these companies. And this, in turn, can weigh on their profit margins. One area of growth that has been hit particularly hard are makers of electric vehicles (EVs), which, in addition to battling higher rates, have also had to contend with rising competition, with nearly every traditional automaker throwing their hat into the EV ring.
But this ramp up in competition isn't necessarily bad for electric vehicle stocks. Rather, it expands the overall market, and that market is growing by leaps and bounds, with EV sales up 63% year-over-year in the first half of 2022, according to research firm Canalys. For investors, this year's pullback in EV stocks creates an opportunity to get in on a growing trend at a more attractive valuation. Here, we've put together 10 electric vehicle stocks to watch as industry sales heat up. Check them out.
-
Dave Ramsey Tells Us the Biggest Retirement Mistake You Can MakeThe talk-show host, author and podcaster tells Kiplinger what people can do to ensure a happy retirement.
-
Pros and Cons of Alternative Assets in Workplace Retirement PlansWhile alternatives offer diversification and higher potential returns, including them in your workplace retirement plan would require careful consideration.
-
Stocks Rise to End a Volatile Week: Stock Market TodayThe market's fear index reached and retreated from a six-month intraday peak on Friday as stocks closed the week well.
-
Dow Sinks 301 Points on Trade War Talk: Stock Market TodayThe contentious relationship between the world's two biggest economies continues to drive global financial markets.
-
Trade Uncertainty Sparks Whipsaw Session: Stock Market TodayVolatility is making a cameo here in mid-October, a generally positive month marked by its historic stock market events.
-
Banks Are Sounding the Alarm About StablecoinsThe Kiplinger Letter The banking industry says stablecoins could have a negative impact on lending.
-
Stocks Swing in Volatile Session: Stock Market TodayThe main indexes fell sharply in early trading on rising China tensions, but rebounded thanks to encouraging bank earnings.
-
Dow Adds 587 Points as Stocks Bounce: Stock Market TodayThe main indexes rebounded sharply Monday after President Trump took a calmer stance toward China.
-
Dow Dives 878 Points on Trump's China Warning: Stock Market TodayThe main indexes erased early gains after President Trump said China is becoming "hostile" and threatened to cancel a meeting with President Xi.
-
Stocks Retreat as Shutdown Continues: Stock Market TodayWhile the main indexes closed lower today, Delta and PepsiCo gained ground on encouraging earnings reports.
