Stocks opened lower and stayed there through the close as investors worried about the potential disruption from a major port strike and increasing tensions in the Middle East. The latest round of economic data weighed on sentiment too.
The vote to strike by roughly 50,000 members of the International Longshoremen Association, a maritime workers' union, "is driving uncertainty concerning the availability of goods and their prices in the near term," says José Torres, senior economist at Interactive Brokers.
The fact that we don't know how long the strike will last makes it difficult to measure just how big of an impact it will have on the economy, Torres adds.
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.
Manufacturing activity stays in contraction territory
Speaking of the economy, the Institute of Supply Management's Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) came in at 47.2% in September – matching what was seen in August. This was the sixth straight month the PMI remained below the 50 level, indicating a contraction in activity.
The weak data illustrates "how high interest rates have been weighing on credit-sensitive sectors, a headwind which is starting to abate as the Fed cuts," says Bill Adams, chief economist at Comerica.
Elsewhere on the economic calendar, data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed job openings were up 4.3% month over month to 8 million in August. Economists were anticipating a slight decline in job openings.
"Today's report is yet another indication that labor demand is softening but not collapsing, which is consistent with our view of a slowing economy and job market," says Eugenio Alemán, chief economist at Raymond James.
Stocks close lower after Iranian missile attack
Shortly after today's economic data was released, reports began circulating that Iran launched a missile attack on Israel.
The main indexes closed solidly lower in reaction, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average falling 0.4% to 42,156, the S&P 500 shedding 0.9% to 5,708, and the Nasdaq Composite slumping 1.5% to 17,910.
The escalating geopolitical tensions sent crude oil futures up more than 5% in intraday trading before they settled with a 2.4% gain at $69.83 per barrel. Gold futures rose 0.9% to finish at $2,690.30 an ounce.
CVS Health is reportedly exploring strategic options
Drilling down on equities, CVS Health (CVS) stock fell 2.1% after Reuters reported that the healthcare company is conducting a strategic review of its business, including a potential split into two publicly traded companies.
"CVS' reported decision to pursue a strategic review would not be particularly surprising given the company's recent execution issues," says BofA Securities analyst Allen Lutz, who has mixed feelings about a potential breakup.
While it's easy to assume that CVS-owned insurer Aetna could be more valuable as a standalone company, Lutz notes the subsidiary's underperformance this year "is the main driver of CVS' weak share price, and it is unclear how much investors would reward that business as a standalone entity, especially on current year or next year's earnings."
Apple drops on analysts' iPhone warning
Apple (AAPL) was another notable decliner Tuesday, with the mega-cap stock falling 2.9% and surrendering $104 billion in market value along the way.
Weighing on AAPL was a note from Barclays analyst Tim Long, who said recent supply chain checks point to a massive reduction in orders for a "key semiconductor component" included in iPhones.
Long adds that the data suggests "softer demand" for the iPhone 16 compared to last year and indicates the December quarter is "increasingly at risk" of underwhelming sales.
Ford Motor pops on Goldman Sachs upgrade
On the positive side of the ledger, Ford Motor (F) shares rose 1.8% after Goldman Sachs analyst Mark Delaney upgraded the auto stock to Buy from Hold. "We believe there is a margin opportunity driven by the company's more profitable commercial business," Delaney wrote in a note, adding that cost actions "can help offset industry headwinds."
Most analysts are more skeptical of Ford. According to S&P Global Market Intelligence, the consensus recommendation is Hold.
Boeing pops on potential stock sale
Boeing (BA) shares improved 1.4% after a Bloomberg report suggested the aerospace giant is considering issuing stock to raise $10 billion in cash. The cash could help the company maintain its investment-grade rating as an ongoing strike impacts its cash reserves.
"The magnitude of the strike's impact on BA will be determined by its duration, which remains to be seen," said Jefferies analyst Sheila Kahyaoglu in a September 23 note. She estimates a $1.3 billion impact to free cash flow per month, "which is mostly due to lost 737 deliveries and the corresponding cash payments (around $30 million per on average) coupled with overhead absorption."
Related content
- Is Investing In Gold Worth It? How Gold Prices Have Changed
- What Is the Rule of 72 and How Is It Used in Investing?
- How to Spot a Bubble in Stocks
-
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.
