Stock Market Today: Major Indexes Rise as S&P 500 Hits Fresh Record at Market Open

By / / Market Update

Market Indexes Continue Upward Momentum

The stock market opened higher on Friday, July 18, 2025, as the S&P 500 built on Thursday’s record close, extending its winning streak at the opening bell. The benchmark index rose 0.54% to 6,297.36, marking its ninth record close of the year. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 0.52% to 44,484.49, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite gained 0.75% to 20,885.65, also reaching fresh highs.

This morning’s gains follow a strong session on Thursday when both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite hit intraday and closing records. All three major averages are on track to finish the week in positive territory, fueled by better-than-expected corporate earnings and improving economic sentiment.

“The markets today opened with continued optimism as strong earnings reports from major companies reinforce investor confidence in corporate resilience despite ongoing concerns about tariffs,” said Keith Lerner, co-chief investment officer at Truist. “Growth sectors continue to lead the way, maintaining the positive trend we’ve seen throughout the week.”

Corporate Earnings Drive Market Sentiment

Earnings season is in full swing, with several major companies reporting results that have largely exceeded expectations. American Express (AXP) shares rose after the credit card giant beat second-quarter estimates with earnings per share of $4.08 versus the expected $3.87, while maintaining its full-year guidance. The strong results suggest consumer spending remains robust despite economic headwinds.

3M (MMM) shares jumped over 2% at the market open after the industrial conglomerate raised its full-year profit forecast and reported better-than-expected quarterly results. The Scotch tape maker now expects adjusted earnings between $7.75 and $8.00 per share, up from its previous guidance of $7.60 to $7.90. The company also noted that tariffs would have a smaller impact on earnings than previously anticipated.

Netflix (NFLX) shares dipped slightly despite topping Wall Street’s expectations for the second quarter and raising its full-year revenue guidance. The streaming giant warned of lower operating margins in the second half of 2025 due to increased marketing costs and content amortization as it prepares for a busy content slate that includes the final season of “Stranger Things.”

Major Stock Movements

Chevron (CVX) shares surged more than 3% after winning a major arbitration battle against Exxon Mobil (XOM) over Hess Corporation’s offshore oil assets in Guyana. The victory clears the way for Chevron’s $53 billion takeover of Hess (HES), which saw its stock rise 7% in premarket trading. The resolution removes significant uncertainty that had weighed on Chevron’s shares in recent months.

Burberry shares jumped more than 7% on the London Stock Exchange after the British fashion brand reported a 4% increase in sales in the Americas, showing signs of recovery despite concerns about President Trump’s tariff plans affecting luxury retailers.

Charles Schwab (SCHW) reported that its profits rose 60% compared to a year ago, benefiting from increased trading activity surrounding President Trump’s tariff announcements.

Economic Outlook and Upcoming Events

Markets remain resilient despite ongoing concerns about tariffs and geopolitical tensions. The recent comprehensive trade deal between the U.S. and China in June has helped ease some trade-related worries, with several companies including 3M and Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) reducing their projected tariff impacts for the year.

Investors continue to monitor the effects of President Trump’s tariff policies, which created significant market volatility during the second quarter. However, strong corporate earnings and consumer spending data suggest the U.S. economy remains on solid footing.

Looking ahead, market participants will focus on upcoming Big Tech earnings reports in the coming weeks, which could provide further direction for the markets. With the S&P 500 expected to report a 5% jump in earnings per share for the second quarter, according to FactSet, the positive earnings trend could continue to support market gains.

As today’s market open demonstrates, stock market news today remains dominated by corporate earnings, with investors showing confidence in the market’s trajectory despite potential headwinds. The resilience of consumer spending and corporate profits at the opening bell suggests that markets today continue to find support from fundamental economic strength rather than mere speculation.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. We are not financial professionals. The authors and/or site operators may hold positions in the companies or assets mentioned. Always do your own research before making financial decisions.
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