The Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI) was up 56.19 (0.1174%) points today, as Wall Street continued its quiet ascent, flirting with all-time highs. The market's main narrative was a blend of robust corporate earnings reports and encouraging economic data, alongside anticipation for key inflation figures. Investors closely monitored the Personal Consumption Expenditure (PCE) price index data, the Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge, and awaited signals ahead of next week's Fed meeting, where a 25 basis point interest rate cut is widely expected. Further bolstering sentiment, initial jobless claims fell to 191,000, marking the lowest level since September 2022 and providing an optimistic signal for the economy.
A standout performer driving the market's positive momentum was Salesforce (CRM), which surged 4.83%. This significant gain followed the company's better-than-expected third-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings and an optimistic financial outlook, particularly highlighted by strong demand for its AI offerings. Other notable gainers included Verizon (VZ), up 1.54%, Visa (V), rising 1.52%, Goldman Sachs (GS), which climbed 1.37%, and Walmart (WMT), increasing 0.88%. These gains in financial and consumer-related sectors suggest underlying confidence in consumer spending and broader economic stability.
Conversely, some healthcare and industrial stocks experienced declines. Amgen (AMGN) was the biggest loser among Dow components, falling -2.67%, despite recent positive analyst upgrades and promising clinical trial results for its obesity drug, MariTide. This decline may indicate profit-taking or sector rotation. Other significant losers included 3M (MMM), down -1.26%, UnitedHealth Group (UNH), which dropped -1.14%, Travelers Companies (TRV), declining -0.97%, and Merck & Co. (MRK), down -0.89%. The weakness in healthcare stocks aligns with a broader dip in the Health Care Select Sector SPDR (XLV) observed on Thursday.
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.