Today At A Glance:

U.S. equities started the week lower as investors grew more cautious ahead of key inflation data and the formal kickoff of earnings season. The Nasdaq led declines as renewed selling hit semiconductors and high-multiple software names, reversing part of last week’s rebound. The S&P 500 also slipped, reflecting broad-based weakness across growth sectors, while the Dow held up relatively better due to strength in defensives and healthcare. Treasury yields edged higher, reintroducing pressure on rate-sensitive stocks and dampening risk appetite. Overall, the tone was defensive, with investors prioritizing capital preservation over momentum chasing.

Today’s Index Performance:

• Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI) — The Dow opened near 48,340 and closed around 48,080, down approximately -0.54%, as losses in industrials were partially offset by gains in healthcare and staples.
• S&P 500 (^GSPC) — The S&P 500 opened close to 7,005 and finished near 6,940, a decline of about -0.93%, driven by weakness in technology and communication services.
• Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC) — The Nasdaq opened around 24,220 and closed near 23,880, falling roughly -1.40%, as semiconductors and software bore the brunt of the selloff.

Gainers Of Note:

• UnitedHealth Group (UNH) — UnitedHealth rose as investors rotated into defensive healthcare names ahead of earnings season, favoring predictable cash flows and balance-sheet strength.
• Coca-Cola (KO) — Coca-Cola advanced modestly as consumer staples attracted inflows during the risk-off session.
• NextEra Energy (NEE) — NextEra gained on defensive utility demand and continued interest in regulated power exposure amid macro uncertainty.

Losers Of Note:

• NVIDIA (NVDA) — NVIDIA fell sharply as investors reduced exposure to AI leaders ahead of inflation data, with rising yields weighing heavily on valuation-sensitive names.
• Tesla (TSLA) — Tesla declined amid broader selling in high-beta growth stocks and ongoing debate around near-term delivery trends.
• Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) — AMD slid in sympathy with the semiconductor sector as traders unwound recent rebound positions.

Active Traders Of Note:

• Apple (AAPL) — Apple remained heavily traded as institutions adjusted mega-cap exposure in a defensive market environment.
• JPMorgan Chase (JPM) — JPMorgan saw elevated volume as investors positioned ahead of major bank earnings later in the week.
• SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) — SPY activity reflected broad hedging and de-risking as markets pulled back to start the week.

Looking Forward:

Monday’s decline highlights investor sensitivity to rates and inflation as earnings season approaches. The next session will likely hinge on whether upcoming economic data reinforces or challenges expectations for easing financial conditions in 2026. Until clarity emerges, markets may continue to favor defensives and selective exposure over aggressive growth positioning.

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