Market Overview: Stocks Decline Amid Economic Uncertainty and Fed Rate Decisions

• Economic Indicators: US factory activity contracted with input prices rising at the fastest pace since 2022. Job openings have reached a three-year low, indicating a cooling labor market.
• Federal Reserve Stance: Amidst weaker-than-expected economic data, traders anticipate the Fed to maintain its current rate, delaying any cuts. The Fed is likely to hold rates steady in its upcoming meeting, marking the sixth consecutive hold.
• Stock Market Reaction: The S&P 500 remains near 5,015, while the Nasdaq 100 dropped about 1%. Declines in sectors like semiconductors were notable, with AMD and Super Micro Computer experiencing significant losses. Conversely, Amazon.com saw gains due to strong sales in its cloud segment.
• Bond Market and Dollar: Minor gains in bonds as Treasury maintains steady debt sales and announces buybacks. The dollar remained stable, and Treasury yields dropped slightly.
• Oil Prices: Decline in oil prices as U.S. crude inventories hit a record high since last June.

Corporate Highlights:

• Mastercard Inc.: ( $MA) Reduced its full-year revenue growth forecast, citing challenges due to foreign exchange fluctuations.
• New York Community Bancorp Inc.: ($NYCB) Better-than-expected results with plans to transform into a more diversified and profitable bank.
• Estée Lauder Cos.: ( $EL) Lowered revenue outlook amid weak demand for luxury products in China.
• Pinterest Inc.: ( $PINS) Exceeded expectations with first-quarter sales and user growth, driven by new shopping features and Gen-Z engagement.
• Starbucks Corp.: ( $SBUX) Reported a sales decline, the first since 2020, as promotional strategies failed to boost consumer spending.
• Yum! Brands Inc.: ( $YUM) Witnessed a sales drop, underscoring pressures in a typically resilient consumer sector.
• Pfizer Inc.: ( $PFE) Increased its earnings forecast following a new agreement with the U.S. government regarding its Covid medication.
• CVS Health Corp ( $CVS) Downgraded its earnings outlook again due to rising medical costs in its Medicare business.
• Johnson & Johnson: ( $JNJ) Proposed a $11 billion settlement to resolve litigation over its baby powder, an increase from previous offers.
• Clorox Co.: ( $CLX) Adjusted its sales forecast downward after a drop in shipments, continuing to recover from a cyberattack.
• Marriott International Inc.: ( $MAR) Reported lower-than-expected earnings as softer demand in the U.S. impacted results.
• KKR & Co.: ($KKR) Reported profits above expectations, reflecting a shift in reporting to emphasize recurring earnings.