Stocks finished Monday on a mixed note, though one of the three main indexes managed to notch a new record closing high. Following Friday's dovish speech from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell at the Jackson Hole Economic Symposium, all eyes now shift to a key inflation update and Nvidia (NVDA) earnings, both due later this week.
Indeed, the July Personal Consumption and Expenditures (PCE) Price Index will be released ahead of Friday's open. The index measures consumer spending and is the Fed's favorite inflation gauge.
Consumer prices, as measured by the PCE, "likely rose modestly in July from June, with inflation holding steady or edging up a hair in year-over-year terms," says Bill Adams, chief economist for Comerica Bank. However, the economist adds that wage growth probably slowed month-to-month after the July jobs report came in weaker than expected.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-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.
Today, an update on durable goods was the main event on the economic calendar. Data from the Census Bureau showed new orders for durable goods surged 9.9% in July vs the month prior. Excluding transportation, new orders were up 0.2%. They were 10.4% higher when excluding defense orders.
"A sharp recovery in jet purchasing fueled substantial progress in durable goods activity in July," says José Torres, senior economist at Interactive Brokers. "Driving the recuperation were transactions for passenger airplanes, which turned positive following June's unfortunate cancellations. Defense aircraft and computers also supported the manufacturing sector."
PDD logs worst day ever after earnings
In single-stock news, U.S.-listed shares of PDD Holdings (PDD) spiraled 28.5% after the Temu parent reported earnings – their worst day ever. While the Chinese online retailer beat on the bottom line, its top-line results fell short of estimates.
Management pointed to "new challenges in changing consumer demand, intensifying competition and uncertainties in [the] global environment," which it believes will continue to impact near-term financial results too.
XPeng pops on insider buying
Fellow Chinese stock XPeng (XPEV) jumped 7.1% today on news the electric vehicle (EV) maker's CEO bought more than 2 million shares. Xiaopeng He is a top stakeholder in XPEV, now owning roughly 18.8% of the company.
In a note released earlier today, CFRA Research analyst Aaron Ho maintained a Hold rating on XPEV. While the analyst expects revenue momentum to continue, there are worries about rising competition in the EV space which could create difficulties for small players like XPeng to expand.
Nvidia stock falls ahead of earnings
In single-stock news, Nvidia fell 2.3% ahead of the chipmaker's second-quarter earning report, set for release after Wednesday's close.
"The company's results and guidance have an outsized influence as it has its finger on the pulse of AI spending," says Louis Navellier, chairman and founder of Navellier & Associates. "In the past NVIDIA has said it can't meet demand, how that narrative changes will be pivotal, as will the timing of their new Blackwell chip."
Nvidia was hardly the only chip stock closing in the red. Weakness was seen across the board, with Broadcom (AVGO, -4.1%), Arm Holdings (ARM, -5.0%) and Marvell Technology (MRVL, -4.2%) among the notable decliners.
The slump in semiconductor stocks weighed on the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite, which fell 0.9% to 17,725. The S&P 500 (-0.3% at 5,616) also finished lower, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.2% to 41,240, a new record closing high.
Related content
- Can a President Fix Inflation?
- Should You Buy Nvidia Stock Before Earnings?
- Kiplinger's Earnings Calendar and Analysis
-
Why Uber Stock Is Volatile After GM's Cruise AnnouncementUber stock is swinging this week following news that General Motors is restructuring its Cruise unit. Here's what you need to know.
-
UnitedHealth Stock Falls as Lawmakers Eye Insurers, PBMsUnitedHealth stock is continuing to fall Thursday after the introduction of bipartisan legislation targeting PBMs and healthcare giants. Here's what to know.
-
Why Uber Stock Is Volatile After GM's Cruise Announcement
Uber stock is swinging this week following news that General Motors is restructuring its Cruise unit. Here's what you need to know.
-
Why Adobe Stock Is Down After Its Earnings BeatAdobe stock is lower Thursday despite the tech giant beating expectations for its fiscal 2024 fourth quarter. Here's what you need to know.
-
Three Possible Tax Impacts for Retirees Under TrumpHow might a second Trump term affect your tax bill in retirement — or the inheritance tax bill for your heirs? This pro has three predictions.
-
What to Know About Leverage and Bitcoin's Meteoric RiseLeverage in the financial world can lead to astonishing success or a crushing collapse. How are investors using leverage to invest in bitcoin?
-
How Do You Know When It's Time to Change Financial Advisers?Sometimes a breakup is for the best. Here's how to handle 'the talk' and make the switch to a new professional who's a better fit for you.
-
Stock Market Today: Tech Stocks Rally as CPI Supports Lower RatesAn inline inflation report sealed the deal for a December rate cut and sent the tech sector soaring.
-
CPI Report Casts Doubt on Rate Cuts in 2025: What the Experts Are Saying About InflationCPI November Consumer Price Index data sealed the deal for a December rate cut, but the outlook for next year is less certain.
-
The Best Utility Stocks to BuyUtility stocks are defensive plays for investors, offering stability and reliable dividends. Here, we look at how you can find the best ones to buy.
