Market Indexes Edge Higher at the Opening Bell
The major U.S. stock indexes climbed higher at the market open on Thursday, July 17, 2025, as investors digested a wave of corporate earnings reports and positive economic data. At the opening bell, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.33% to 44,401.78, adding 147 points. The S&P 500 gained 0.26% to reach 6,280.37, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite advanced 0.43% to 20,819.28.
The markets today are consolidating near record highs as traders navigate multiple catalysts, including corporate earnings, economic indicators, and ongoing political developments. The Russell 2000, which tracks small-cap stocks, showed stronger performance with a 0.83% gain, reaching 2,245.49 points.
Strong Economic Data Boosts Market Sentiment
Recent economic releases have provided a positive backdrop for today’s market activity. The latest jobless claims data showed continued strength in the labor market, with 221,000 initial claims filed for the week ending July 12, marking a decrease of 7,000 from the previous week’s revised level. This represents the lowest level of unemployment claims in three months, suggesting resilience in the job market.
Additionally, retail sales data released yesterday showed a better-than-expected increase, with June sales rising 0.6% from May and 3.5% year-over-year. This surpassed the Dow Jones consensus estimate of 0.2%, indicating that consumer spending remains robust despite concerns about the impact of recent tariffs. Sales excluding automobiles also increased by 0.5%, exceeding economists’ expectations of 0.3%.
“The retail sales rebound in June indicates that President Trump’s tariffs are not significantly impacting consumer spending habits yet,” noted market analysts at today’s market open.
Earnings Season Gains Momentum
The second-quarter earnings season is off to a strong start, with more than 45 S&P 500 components having reported thus far. An impressive 87% of these companies have exceeded analyst expectations, according to FactSet data.
Among today’s standout performers, PepsiCo (PEP) shares surged more than 6% after the beverage and snack giant reported better-than-expected quarterly results. The company posted adjusted earnings of $2.12 per share on revenues of $22.73 billion, beating analyst estimates despite reporting softer demand with worldwide food volumes down 1.5%.
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSM) saw its stock rise 2.36% after posting a record quarterly profit, citing increasingly strong demand for AI chips. The Nvidia supplier’s positive results helped boost other semiconductor stocks in early trading.
GE Aerospace (GE) traded slightly lower by 0.04% despite beating second-quarter expectations with adjusted earnings of $1.66 per share on $10.15 billion in revenue, exceeding analyst forecasts of $1.43 per share and $9.59 billion.
Airlines Signal Improving Travel Demand
United Airlines shares declined in early trading after the carrier reset its full-year profit outlook. The company now expects adjusted profit of $9 to $11 per share for 2025, down from its earlier forecast of $11.50 to $13.50 per share. Despite the reduced guidance, United’s CEO Scott Kirby expressed optimism about improving conditions.
“United saw a positive shift in demand beginning in early July, and, like 2024, anticipates another inflection in industry supply in mid-August,” Kirby stated. “The world is less uncertain today than it was during the first six months of 2025 and that gives us confidence about a strong finish to the year.”
Market Recovers from Powell Controversy
Markets today appear to have moved past Wednesday’s volatility sparked by reports that President Trump was considering firing Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. Stocks dropped sharply at one point yesterday after a White House official indicated that Trump “likely will soon” remove Powell from his post, with the Dow falling more than 260 points at its session low.
However, equities rebounded after Trump later denied these reports, stating that firing the central bank chief is “highly unlikely, unless he has to leave for fraud.” The president’s denial helped stabilize markets, with all three major indexes closing Wednesday’s session in positive territory.
Michael Green, chief strategist at Simplify Asset Management, suggested that Wednesday’s stock rebound indicates the market may have already moved past concerns about Powell’s potential ousting. “The only real piece of information, I would argue, that you got today is that firing Powell is not that big of a deal,” he told CNBC.
Looking Ahead: Key Events to Watch
Investors are now turning their attention to upcoming earnings reports, particularly from technology companies. Netflix (NFLX) is set to release its quarterly results after today’s market close, kicking off the Big Tech earnings season. The streaming giant’s shares have performed strongly so far this year, and its results will be closely watched for insights into consumer spending on subscription services.
The dollar has staged a comeback in currency markets, adding 0.4% and resuming its month-to-date climb. This strength is underpinned by fading expectations for interest rate cuts in 2025, as economic data continues to show resilience.
As markets today navigate through earnings season, traders will be watching for signs of continued strength in corporate profits and any indications of how companies are managing in the current economic environment. With 87% of reporting companies beating expectations so far, the outlook remains positive for stocks at the market open.
Ed Liston is a senior contributing editor at TheStockMarketWatch.com. An active market watcher and investor, Ed guides an independent team of experienced analysts and writes for multiple stock trader publications.