Joey Solitro
Stocks ran into a wall Tuesday, with the main indexes retreating from record highs. There was little in the way of economic data to move the needle, so market participants focused on an earnings calendar featuring several blue chip stocks.
Goldman Sachs (GS, -0.04%), for one, handily beat top- and bottom-line expectations for its third quarter, highlighted by a more than 50% year-over-year increase in earnings per share.
The investment banking giant benefited from improved capital markets activity and strength in debt and equity underwriting, says CFRA Research analyst Kenneth Leon, who reiterated a Strong Buy rating on the financial stock.
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.
"Alternative investments remain a key focus area, with assets under supervision (AUS) in this category reaching $328 billion," he adds.
Walgreens has its best day since 2008
Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) was another notable post-earnings gainer, jumping 15.8% after the pharmacy retail chain reported third-quarter earnings and revenue that beat analysts' estimates. Management also announced a plan to close roughly 1,200 stores over the next three years in an effort to boost the bottom line.
The former Dow component – which was replaced by Amazon.com (AMZN) in the 30-stock index back in February – has had a rough ride in recent years, shedding 60% in 2024 alone. But today's gain was its biggest one-day advance since October 2008, according to MarketWatch.
UnitedHealth stock slumps after earnings
UnitedHealth Group (UNH), meanwhile, slumped 8.4% after earnings – making it the worst-performing Dow Jones stock today.
Although the health insurance company reported higher-than-anticipated third-quarter earnings and revenue, management trimmed the top end of its full-year profit forecast due to "business disruption impacts" from a Change Healthcare data breach earlier this year.
CFRA Research analyst Paige Meyer maintained a Hold rating on UNH after evaluating the company's results. While Meyer is upbeat about UnitedHealth's management and above-average earnings-per-share growth rate, she cautions that its rising medical care ratio reflects "CMS Medicare funding reductions, medical reserve development effects and business mix changes."
Boeing stock pops on cash-raising efforts
In non-earnings news, Boeing (BA) rose 2.3% after the aerospace company filed to raise up to $25 billion through a combination of stock and debt offerings.
Separately, the company announced that it had entered into a $10 billion supplemental credit agreement with lenders. Both moves are intended to shore up Boeing's balance sheet amid ongoing challenges.
As for the main indexes, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.8% to 42,740, the S&P 500 shed 0.8% to 5,815, and the Nasdaq Composite gave back 1.0% to 18,315.
Related content
- Where To Put Your Money As Interest Rates Drop
- Election 2024: Politics and Your Portfolio
- How to Spot a Bubble in Stocks
-
Dow Dives 797 Points as Government Opens: Stock Market TodayThe process of pricing and re-pricing realities old and new never stops, and next week promises to be at least as exciting as this week.
-
3 Ways High-Income Earners Can Maximize Their Charitable Donations in 2025Tax Deductions New charitable giving tax rules will soon lower your deduction for donations to charity — here’s what you should do now.
-
Dow Dives 797 Points as Government Opens: Stock Market Today
The process of pricing and re-pricing realities old and new never stops, and next week promises to be at least as exciting as this week.
-
5 Core Stocks Every Investor Should Own In 2026 and BeyondCore stocks are solid, long-term investments that provide stable returns and steady growth within your portfolio. Here are five we like.
-
How to Calm Your Retirement Nerves When It's Time to Shift from Savings Mode to Spending ModeTransitioning from saving to spending in retirement can be tricky, but devising a strategic plan can help ensure a smooth and worry-free retirement.
-
Why Wills and Trusts Aren't Enough in the Great Wealth Transfer, From an Attorney Who KnowsFamilies need to prepare heirs through communication and financial know-how, or all that money could end up causing confusion, conflict and costly mistakes.
-
Private Markets for Main Street: What Financial Advisers' Clients Need to KnowWith product innovation 'democratizing' private market access for everyday investors, advisers must step up their game to educate clients on the pros and cons.
-
Dow Climbs 327 Points, Crosses 48,000: Stock Market TodayMarkets are pricing the end of the longest government shutdown in history – and another solid set of quarterly earnings.
-
The Best Homebuilder ETFs to BuyThe best homebuilder ETFs give investors efficient exposure to growth-oriented real estate assets.
-
Seven Practical Steps to Kick Off Your 2026 Financial PlanningIt's time to stop chasing net worth and start chasing real worth. Here's how to craft a plan that supports your well-being today and in the future.
