UnitedHealth Group Incorporated operates as a diversified health care company in the United States. The company operates through four segments: UnitedHealthcare, Optum Health, Optum Insight, and Optum Rx. The UnitedHealthcare segment offers consumer-oriented health benefit plans and services for national employers, public sector employers, mid-sized employers, small businesses, and individuals; health care coverage, and health and well-being services to individuals age 50 and older addressing their needs; Medicaid plans, children's health insurance and health care programs; and health and dental benefits, and hospital and clinical services, as well as health care benefits products and services to state programs caring for the economically disadvantaged, medically underserved, and those without the benefit of employer-funded health care coverage. The Optum Health segment provides care delivery, care management, wellness and consumer engagement, and health financial services patients, consumers, care delivery systems, providers, employers, payers, and public-sector entities. The Optum Insight segment offers software and information products, advisory consulting arrangements, and managed services outsourcing contracts to hospital systems, physicians, health plans, governments, life sciences companies, and other organizations. The Optum Rx segment provides pharmacy care services and programs, including retail network contracting, home delivery, specialty and community health pharmacy services, infusion, and purchasing and clinical capabilities, as well as develops programs in the areas of step therapy, formulary management, drug adherence, and disease/drug therapy management. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated was founded in 1974 and is based in Minnetonka, Minnesota.

UnitedHealth Group Incorporated

Below is Validea's guru fundamental report for UNITEDHEALTH GROUP INC (UNH). Of the 22 guru strategies we follow, UNH rates highest using our Growth Investor model based on the published strategy of Martin Zweig. This strategy looks for growth stocks with persistent accelerating earnings and sales growth, reasonable valuations and low debt.
UNITEDHEALTH GROUP INC (UNH) is a large-cap growth stock in the Insurance (Accident & Health) industry. The rating using this strategy is 77% based on the firm’s underlying fundamentals and the stock’s valuation. A score of 80% or above typically indicates that the strategy has some interest in the stock and a score above 90% typically indicates strong interest.
The following table summarizes whether the stock meets each of this strategy's tests. Not all criteria in the below table receive equal weighting or are independent, but the table provides a brief overview of the strong and weak points of the security in the context of the strategy's criteria.
Detailed Analysis of UNITEDHEALTH GROUP INC
More Information on Martin Zweig
About Martin Zweig: During the 15 years that it was monitored, Zweig's stock recommendation newsletter returned an average of 15.9 percent per year, during which time it was ranked number one based on risk-adjusted returns by Hulbert Financial Digest. Zweig has managed both mutual and hedge funds during his career, and he's put the fortune he's compiled to some interesting uses. He has owned what Forbes reported was the most expensive apartment in New York, a $70 million penthouse that sits atop Manhattan's Pierre Hotel, and he is a collector of all sorts of pop culture and historical memorabilia -- among his purchases are the gun used by Clint Eastwood in "Dirty Harry", a stock certificate signed by Commodore Vanderbilt, and even two old-fashioned gas pumps similar to those he'd seen at a nearby gas station while growing up in Cleveland, according to published reports.
Additional Research Links
About Validea: Validea is aninvestment researchservice that follows the published strategies of investment legends. Validea offers both stock analysis and model portfolios based on gurus who have outperformed the market over the long-term, including Warren Buffett, Benjamin Graham, Peter Lynch and Martin Zweig. For more information about Validea, click here
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

UNH Quantitative Stock Analysis - Martin Zweig

Key Points
The DJIA is in positive territory thus far in 2025.
But two major stocks have seen sharp declines.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJINDICES: ^DJI) is up nearly 5% so far this year, with many of its best performers rising in value by 20% to 30%.
But some of the index's components haven't fared so well. Two well-known stocks in the DJIA have collapsed in value through the first six months of 2025. Investors on the lookout for bargains should take a closer look.
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This tech giant is struggling in 2025
For years, Salesforce (NYSE: CRM) has been a market darling, consistently posting double-digit growth rates. Thus far in 2025, however, Salesforce stock has lost nearly one-quarter of its value. What's going on?
This fiscal year, Salesforce is anticipating 7% to 8% revenue growth -- its first single-digit annual growth rate in years. In past years, it has managed consistent 20% to 30% annual growth rates. Analysts are concerned that the company's best days are behind it. As an analyst at Bernstein Research concludes, "We have been concerned that Salesforce was a mature business in a mature market and that expectations were running too high in general.
UnitedHealth stock is down 40%
It's been a very rough year for UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH). Shares are down roughly 40% in value, with most of the drop occurring over the past 90 days alone. Is this your chance to buy a healthcare giant on the cheap?
This is a complicated and ongoing situation. Earnings forecasts have been reduced dramatically due to higher costs and claims, while the U.S. Department of Justice is investigating the company for overbilling. Meanwhile, the company's CEO departed in May, shortly after Wall Street analysts changed earnings projections.
UnitedHealth stock is cheap at just 12.2 times earnings. But investors need to get comfortable with all the moving pieces before jumping in.
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Ryan Vanzo has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Salesforce. The Motley Fool recommends UnitedHealth Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

These Are the 2 Worst-Performing Stocks in the Dow Jones Industrial Average So Far in 2025

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) Friday closed down -0.01%, the Dow Jones Industrials Index ($DOWI) (DIA) closed down -0.32%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) closed down -0.05%. September E-mini S&P futures (ESU25) fell -0.08%, and September E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQU25) fell -0.10%.
Stocks gave up an early advance on Friday and settled slightly lower on mixed earnings results and weakness in health insurance providers. Netflix fell by more than 5% and weighed on technology stocks after the company forecasted full-year operating margins below consensus.
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Also, health insurance stocks retreated after Humana lost a lawsuit to reverse cuts to its Medicare bonus payments and after Elevance Health was downgraded.
Stocks maintained slight losses Friday afternoon after the Financial Times reported that President Trump is pushing for a minimum tariff of 15%-20% in any trade deal with the European Union (EU), as Mr. Trump has remained unmoved by the latest EU offer to reduce car tariffs. Also, the Financial Times said that EU trade commissioner Sefcovic gave a downbeat assessment of recent trade talks in Washington on Friday to EU ambassadors.
Stock indexes initially moved higher on Friday, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 posting new record highs. Bullish factors included the stronger-than-expected housing starts report and generally upbeat earnings reports. Also, the University of Michigan's US July consumer sentiment index rose more than expected to a 5-month high.
Falling bond yields are supportive of stocks following dovish comments from Fed Governor Christopher Waller on Thursday evening, who stated that he supports a Fed interest rate cut at the July 29-30 FOMC meeting. Also, an easing of inflation expectations in Friday's University of Michigan's July inflation expectations report was bullish for T-notes and stocks. The 10-year T-note yield fell -2 bp to 4.43%.
US June housing starts rose +4.6% m/m to 1.321 million, stronger than expectations of 1.300 million. Also, June building permits, a proxy for future construction, unexpectedly rose +0.2% m/m to 1.397 million versus expectations of a -0.5% m/m decline to 1.387 million.
The University of Michigan's July US consumer sentiment index rose +1.1 to a 5-month high of 61.8, stronger than expectations of 61.5.
The University of Michigan's US July 1-year inflation expectations indicator fell to a 5-month low of +4.4%, better than expectations of no change at +5.0%. Also, the July 5-10 year inflation expectations indicator eased to a 5-month low of +3.6%, weaker than expectations of +3.9%.
Thursday evening, Fed Governor Christopher Waller said, "With inflation near target and the upside risks to inflation limited, we should not wait until the labor market deteriorates before we cut the policy rate. I believe it makes sense to cut the FOMC's policy rate by 25 basis points two weeks from now."
Recent trade news has put some downward pressure on stocks. President Trump said late Wednesday that he intends to send a tariff letter to more than 150 countries notifying them their tariff rates could be 10% or 15%, effective August 1, and that the group was "not big countries who don't do that much business with the US."
Also, President Trump last weekend announced that the US will impose 30% tariffs on US imports from the European Union and Mexico, effective August 1. Mr. Trump said last Thursday that a 35% tariff on some Canadian products would take effect on August 1, up from the current 25%. Last week, Mr. Trump imposed a 50% tariff on copper imports, which will include semi-finished goods, and stated that drug companies could face tariffs as high as 200% on imports if they don't relocate production to the US within the next year.
Federal funds futures prices are discounting the chances for a -25 bp rate cut at 5% at the July 29-30 FOMC meeting and 58% at the following meeting on September 16-17.
Earnings season began in earnest this week as big bank earnings results came in stronger than expected. Early results now show S&P 500 earnings are on track to rise +3.2% for the second quarter, better than the pre-season expectations of +2.8% y/y, according to Bloomberg Intelligence. Also, only six of the eleven S&P 500 sectors are projected to post an increase in earnings, the fewest since Q1 of 2023, according to Yardeni Research.
Overseas stock markets on Friday settled mixed. The Euro Stoxx 50 closed down -0.33%. China's Shanghai Composite closed up +0.50%. Japan's Nikkei Stock 225 fell from a 2.5-week high and closed down -0.21%.
Interest Rates
September 10-year T-notes (ZNU25) on Friday closed up +8.5 ticks. The 10-year T-note yield fell -2.3 bp to 4.428%. T-notes rose Friday on dovish comments from Fed Governor Christopher Waller, who said he backs a Fed rate cut at the July 29-30 FOMC meeting. Also, falling inflation expectations in Friday's University of Michigan report were bullish for T-notes.
On the bearish side, Friday's US housing starts report was stronger than expected. Also, Friday's increase in the University of Michigan US July consumer sentiment to a 5-month high was negative for T-notes.
European government bond yields on Friday moved higher. The 10-year German bund yield rose +2.0 bp to 2.695%. The 10-year UK gilt yield climbed to a 1.5-month high of 4.684% and finished up +1.9 bp to 4.674%.
Eurozone May construction output fell -1.7% m/m, the biggest decline in nearly 2.5-years.
The German June PPI fell -1.3% y/y, right on expectations and the steepest pace of decline in 9 months.
Swaps are discounting the chances at 1% for a -25 bp rate cut by the ECB at the July 24 policy meeting.
US Stock Movers
Weakness in managed health care stocks weighed on the broader market Friday. Molina Healthcare (MOH) closed down more than -10% to lead losers in the S&P 500, and Elevance Health (ELV) closed down more than -8% after Leerink Partners downgraded the stock to market perform from outperform. Also, Centene (CNC) closed down more than -3%, and CVS Health Corp (CVS) and UnitedHealth Group (UNH) closed down more than -2%. In addition, Humana (HUM) closed down more than -1% after it lost a lawsuit seeking to reverse cuts to its Medicare bonus payments.
Netflix (NFLX) closed down more than -5% after forecasting a full-year operating margin of 29.5%, below the consensus of 29.7%.
3M Co (MMM) closed down more than -3% to lead losers in the Dow Jones Industrials after cutting its full-year organic sales estimate to +2% from a previous forecast of +2% to +3%.
Sarepta Therapeutics (SRPT) closed down more than -36% after it said another patient died from acute liver failure after receiving one of its experimental gene therapies for a muscle disease.
Autoliv (ALV) closed down more than -4% after reporting Q2 adjusted operating margin of 9.30%, below the consensus of 9.35%.
Builders FirstSource (BLDR) closed down more than -3% after Zelman & Associates downgraded the stock to underperform.
American Express (AXP) closed down more than -2% after reporting Q2 total expenses of $12.90 billion, above the consensus of $12.73 billion.
Talen Energy (TLN) closed up more than +24% after acquiring gas-fired power plants in Pennsylvania and Ohio for $3.5 billion.
Invesco Ltd (IVZ) closed up more than +15% to lead gainers in the S&P 500 after it filed a proxy statement with the SEC seeking to convert the Invesco QQQ Trust Series 1 into an open-ended fund from a unit investment trust.
Interactive Brokers Group (IBKR) closed up more than +7% after reporting Q2 total net interest income of $860 million, well above the consensus of $794.7 million.
Regions Financial (RF) closed up more than +6% after reporting Q2 net interest income of $1.27 billion, better than the consensus of $1.24 billion, and raising its full-year net interest income growth estimate to +3% to +5% from a previous estimate of +1% to +4%.
Abbott Laboratories (ABT) closed up more than +2% after Jefferies upgraded the stock to buy from hold with a price target of $145.
Norfolk Southern (NSC) closed up more than +2% on reports that Union Pacific is said to be exploring an acquisition of the company.
Charles Schwab (SCHW) closed up more than +2% after reporting Q2 net revenue of $5.85 billion, stronger than the consensus of $5.72 billion.
Earnings Reports (7/21/2025)
AGNC Investment Corp (AGNC), Alexandria Real Estate Equities (ARE), BOK Financial Corp (BOKF), Cleveland-Cliffs Inc (CLF), Crown Holdings Inc (CCK), Domino's Pizza Inc (DPZ), Equity LifeStyle Properties In (ELS), Medpace Holdings Inc (MEDP), NXP Semiconductors NV (NXPI), RLI Corp (RLI), Roper Technologies Inc (ROP), Steel Dynamics Inc (STLD), Verizon Communications Inc (VZ), W R Berkley Corp (WRB), Wintrust Financial Corp (WTFC), Zions Bancorp NA (ZION).
On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Stocks Finish Slightly Lower on Mixed Earnings Results

Among the underlying components of the Russell 3000 index, we saw noteworthy options trading volume today in MicroStrategy Inc. (Symbol: MSTR), where a total of 975,430 contracts have traded so far, representing approximately 97.5 million underlying shares. That amounts to about 770.7% of MSTR's average daily trading volume over the past month of 12.7 million shares. Especially high volume was seen for the $460 strike call option expiring July 18, 2025, with 56,591 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 5.7 million underlying shares of MSTR. Below is a chart showing MSTR's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $460 strike highlighted in orange:
UnitedHealth Group Inc (Symbol: UNH) saw options trading volume of 262,832 contracts, representing approximately 26.3 million underlying shares or approximately 222.7% of UNH's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 11.8 million shares. Especially high volume was seen for the $285 strike call option expiring July 18, 2025, with 12,759 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 1.3 million underlying shares of UNH. Below is a chart showing UNH's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $285 strike highlighted in orange:
And Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp (Symbol: MSGE) saw options trading volume of 8,016 contracts, representing approximately 801,600 underlying shares or approximately 201% of MSGE's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 398,720 shares. Especially high volume was seen for the $20 strike call option expiring July 18, 2025, with 4,000 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 400,000 underlying shares of MSGE. Below is a chart showing MSGE's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $20 strike highlighted in orange:
For the various different available expirations for MSTR options, UNH options, or MSGE options, visit StockOptionsChannel.com.
TAS Historical Stock Prices
ETFs Holding TEN
Emerson Electric Average Annual Return
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Notable Friday Option Activity: MSTR, UNH, MSGE

Rising prescription drug costs remain a top healthcare concern, with pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) facing heightened scrutiny for their role in managing prescription drug benefits for insurers and health plans. CVS Health’s CVS Caremark business recently secured a new pharmacy benefits contract with The California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) — the largest public pension fund in the United States. The five-year agreement replaces OptumRx, UnitedHealth Group’s UNH PBM, which had served CalPERS members over the past nine years.
Starting Jan. 1, 2026, Caremark will provide outpatient prescription drug benefits to nearly 587,000 members enrolled in Basic or Medicare HMO and PPO plans, which is roughly 40% of CalPERS’ 1.5 million beneficiaries. CVS will also work closely with CalPERS to develop a range of options for managing formulary changes that could affect copays or require switching to an equally effective alternative.
Essentially, CVS Caremark was selected over other vendors for its ability to deliver more affordable drug benefits, and its commitment to strong contract terms around accountability, transparency and groundbreaking financial guarantees. The company puts $250 million at risk if it fails to meet targets for controlling pharmacy benefit costs and delivering clinical quality outcomes tied to improving care for high blood pressure and diabetes. The contract positions CVS Caremark at the forefront of CalPERS’ efforts to create a model that can serve as “a blueprint for purchasers nationwide”.
This year, CVS Health also opted to prefer Wegovy over Zepbound on its commercial template formularies. The move is designed to promote competition in reducing drug costs and enable broader, more affordable coverage for weight management medications. Clients using CVS Caremark’s template formularies could save 10-15% annually in the anti-obesity medication space as a result of this strategic change.
Updates From CVS Health’s PBM Peers
The global PBM market is expanding, with CVS Caremark, OptumRx and Express Scripts (Cigna) dominating the market. Other prominent players include Elevance Health ELV, which offers pharmacy services through its CarelonRx unit. ELV had just released its second quarter-2025 earnings results, with higher CarelonRx product revenues driving a 33% year-over-year increase in Carelon operating gains. The growth in CarelonRx operating revenues was mainly due to higher prescription volume from rising pharmacy membership and contributions from recent acquisitions.
Humana HUM, too, operates a PBM business under its Insurance segment. Humana recently announced a partnership with healthcare software company Epic, becoming the first health insurer to integrate health plan information directly into the MyChart accounts. This enables Humana Medicare Advantage members to access their insurance details, such as vital coverage information, benefits, contacts and other resources, in the same platform where they manage the rest of their care.
CVS’ Price Performance, Valuation and Estimates
In the past year, CVS Health shares have risen 6.3% against the industry’s 17.7% fall.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
CVS shares are trading at a forward one-year price-to-earnings ratio of 9.60 compared to the industry average of 14.00. The stock carries a Value Score of A.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Analyst estimates for the company’s 2025 and 2026 earnings are showing an upward trend.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
CVS stock currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
5 Stocks Set to Double
Each was handpicked by a Zacks expert as the favorite stock to gain +100% or more in the months ahead. They include
Stock #1: A Disruptive Force with Notable Growth and Resilience
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Most of the stocks in this report are flying under Wall Street radar, which provides a great opportunity to get in on the ground floor. While not all picks can be winners, previous recommendations have soared +171%, +209% and +232%.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

CVS Health's Caremark to Lead CalPERS' PBM Vision: What's at Stake?

Key Points
Artificial intelligence (AI) is boosting income and growth at networking giant Cisco Systems.
McDonald's, with nearly a half-century of rising dividends, will continue to enrich investors.
Challenges in the health insurance industry have boosted the dividend yield at UnitedHealth.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average comprises 30 blue chip stocks that investors often regard as a proxy for the overall economy. Amidst that prominence, all but two of the 30 components return cash to shareholders, a move that tends to affirm that stability.
Still, investors may also want stock growth potential along with a strong dividend. To that end, these Dow stocks are well-positioned to deliver rising payouts without compromising potential returns from stock price growth.
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1. Cisco Systems
After years of slow revenue increases, growth is finally speeding up for Cisco Systems (NASDAQ: CSCO). Coming off the networking giant's acquisition of Splunk, product orders are up 20% year over year (or 9% if not including Splunk). The growth comes as companies work to integrate AI into security and network management.
The rising orders should also bolster what has already served as a strong dividend. Its payout has risen every year since the company began offering dividends in 2011. At $1.64 per share annually, Cisco now has a dividend yield of 2.4%. That compares well to the S&P 500's average yield of 1.2%.
More importantly, Cisco can likely sustain its dividend growth. In the first nine months of fiscal 2025 (ended April 26), it generated $9.3 billion in free cash flow, enough to cover the $4.8 billion in dividend costs over that period.
Investors have begun to take notice of the stock in recent months. The stock is up by nearly 50% over the last year, and its P/E ratio of 28 sits at multi-year highs. Despite that recent growth, that places the P/E ratio slightly under the S&P 500 average earnings multiple of 30, indicating there is likely still time to buy Cisco stock.
2. McDonald's
Dividend investors may also find a lot to like in McDonald's (NYSE: MCD) stock. Admittedly, that might not seem to be the case amid a sluggish economy and intense competition in the restaurant industry, and some investors may be leery of its 27 P/E ratio. However, since McDonald's actually profits from franchising, such challenges may have relatively little effect on its top line.
McDonald's earns most of its revenue from franchising fees and restaurant rentals from its extensive real estate portfolio. While it also claims a percentage of the revenue driven from these restaurants, it also means that restaurant sales have less of an effect on the company than rivals such as Chipotle Mexican Grill.
That stability contributes to the strength of its dividend, which has risen every year since its introduction in 1976. At $7.08 per share annually, it yields 2.3%. Furthermore, the payout appears sustainable, as its more than $6.7 billion in free cash flow covered the dividend costs of about $4.9 billion in 2024.
Additionally, the stock was up just over 20% over the last year. When combining that with returns on the dividend, investors appear to have a surprisingly robust growth and income stock in McDonald's.
3. UnitedHealth Group
When it comes to Dow dividend stocks, investors may have a unique buying opportunity in health insurer UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH). The company offers health insurance to individuals, including Medicare and Medicaid recipients, as well as plans for employers.
Nonetheless, its stock has fallen by nearly 40%, as rising medical costs led to lower earnings guidance in the first quarter of 2025. The tragic shooting of CEO Brian Thompson also plagued the stock. Moreover, investigations by the Department of Justice and The New York Times have called some of its business practices into question. So severe was the drop in the stock price that the selling has wiped out almost all the stock's five-year gain.
Although such challenges tend to weigh on stocks, at least for a time, UnitedHealth should be positioned for recovery if it properly addresses those allegations. Additionally, the company's current stock price gives investors a tremendous incentive to take a position in the stock. Its P/E ratio has fallen to 13, its lowest point since 2013.
The decline has also boosted its dividend yield to 2.8%, close to all-time highs. With that, it is worth noting that the payout has risen for 15 straight years and now pays shareholders $8.84 per share annually.
Furthermore, despite rising costs, UnitedHealth's nearly $21 billion in free cash flow enabled it to meet its $7.5 billion in dividend costs in 2024. Hence, not only can UnitedHealth afford its generous, rising dividend, but investors also have a unique opportunity to buy this stock at an unusually low price. If one can tolerate its risks, the health insurance stock offers tremendous potential for growth.
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Will Healy has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Chipotle Mexican Grill and Cisco Systems. The Motley Fool recommends UnitedHealth Group and recommends the following options: short June 2025 $55 calls on Chipotle Mexican Grill. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

3 Unstoppable Dow Dividend Stocks to Buy and Hold Forever

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) Thursday closed up +0.54%, the Dow Jones Industrials Index ($DOWI) (DIA) closed up +0.52%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) closed up +0.74%. September E-mini S&P futures (ESU25) rose +0.59%, and September E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQU25) rose +0.77%.
Stocks rallied on Thursday, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 indexes posting new record highs. Signs that the US economy is holding up, despite tariff uncertainty, boosted stocks. Positive economic news Thursday included a decline in weekly jobless claims to a 3-month low, a stronger-than-expected retail sales report, and a rise in the Philadelphia Fed index to a 5-month high.
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Stocks added to their gains Thursday afternoon on dovish comments from San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly, who said the most recent set of rate projections from Fed officials, issued in June, offered a "reasonable outlook" in pointing to two 25 bp rate cuts by year's end. She added that the Fed should not wait too long before moving on rates, because if they wait until inflation is 2%, they've "likely injured the economy in some way that was completely unnecessary."
On the negative side, health insurers retreated on Thursday, led by a -12% plunge in Elevance Health after the company cut its earnings outlook for the year. Also, hawkish comments from Fed Governor Adriana Kugler were bearish for stocks when she said the Fed should keep interest rates on hold "for some time," citing accelerating inflation as tariffs start to boost prices.
US weekly initial unemployment claims unexpectedly fell -7,000 to a 3-month low of 221,000, showing a stronger labor market than expectations of an increase to 233,000.
US June retail sales rose +0.6% m/m, stronger than expectations of +0.1% m/m, and June retail sales ex-autos rose +0.5% m/m, stronger than expectations of +0.3% m/m.
The US June import price index ex-petroleum was unchanged m/m, weaker than expectations of +0.2% m/m.
The US July Philadelphia Fed business outlook survey rose +19.9 to a 5-month high of 15.9, stronger than expectations of -1.0.
The US July NAHB housing market index rose +1 to 33, right on expectations.
On the trade front, President Trump said late Wednesday that he intends to send a tariff letter to more than 150 countries notifying them their tariff rates could be 10% or 15%, effective August 1, and that the group was "not big countries who don't do that much business with the US."
Also, signs that the US could ease some of its export restrictions on semiconductor chips to China are bullish for chip makers. Commerce Secretary Lutnick said Nvidia could soon resume sales of its less advanced H20 chips to China, and Advanced Micro Devices received similar assurances from the Commerce Department, a sign that the US may be in the process of negotiating a grand trade deal with China. Treasury Secretary Bessent is expected to meet his Chinese counterpart, Vice Premier He Lifeng, within "the next couple of weeks" and signaled the US will likely extend an August 12 deadline for the easing of sky-high tariffs.
However, stocks were undercut by negative trade news that emerged last week and during this past weekend. Over the weekend, President Trump announced that the US will impose 30% tariffs on US imports from the European Union and Mexico, effective August 1. Mr. Trump said last Thursday that a 35% tariff on some Canadian products would take effect on August 1, up from the current 25%. Last week, Mr. Trump imposed a 50% tariff on copper imports, which will include semi-finished goods, and stated that drug companies could face tariffs as high as 200% on imports if they don't relocate production to the US within the next year.
Federal funds futures prices are discounting the chances for a -25 bp rate cut at 3% at the July 29-30 FOMC meeting and 58% at the following meeting on September 16-17.
The markets will focus on any fresh news regarding tariffs or trade deals during the remainder of this week. On Friday, June housing starts are expected to climb +3.6% m/m to 1.300 million, and June building permits are expected to slip -0.5% m/m to 1.387 million. Also, the University of Michigan's US July consumer sentiment index is expected to climb +0.8 to 61.5.
Earnings season began in earnest this week with a focus on big bank earnings results. The consensus is for S&P 500 companies to show Q2 earnings growth of +2.8% y/y, the smallest increase in two years, according to Bloomberg Intelligence. Also, only six of the eleven S&P 500 sectors are projected to post an increase in earnings, the fewest since Q1 of 2023, according to Yardeni Research.
Overseas stock markets on Thursday settled higher. The Euro Stoxx 50 closed up +1.49%. China's Shanghai Composite closed up +0.37%. Japan's Nikkei Stock 225 closed up +0.60%.
Interest Rates
September 10-year T-notes (ZNU25) on Thursday closed down -3.5 ticks. The 10-year T-note yield rose +0.8 bp to 4.463%. T-notes on Thursday posted modest losses following stronger-than-expected US economic news, including June retail sales, weekly initial unemployment claims, and the July Philadelphia Fed manufacturing survey, which signaled a hawkish tone for Fed policy. Also, Thursday's rally in the S&P 500 to a new all-time high reduced safe-haven demand for T-notes. In addition, hawkish comments from Fed Governor Adriana Kugler weighed on T-notes when she said the Fed should keep interest rates on hold "for some time." Finally, rising inflation expectations undercut T-notes when the 10-year breakeven inflation rate rose to a 4.75-month high of 2.450% on Thursday.
Losses in T-notes were limited Thursday on carryover support from late Wednesday when President Trump said he has "no plans" on firing Fed Chair Powell. T-notes also found support on signs of easing price pressures after Thursday's news showed the June import price index ex-petroleum rose less than expected.
European government bond yields on Thursday were mixed. The 10-year German bund yield fell -1.3 bp to 2.675%. The 10-year UK gilt yield rose to a 6-week high of 4.678% and finished up +1.7 bp to 4.655%.
Swaps are discounting the chances at 1% for a -25 bp rate cut by the ECB at the July 24 policy meeting.
US Stock Movers
United Airlines Holdings (UAL) closed up more than +3% to lead airline stocks higher after CEO Kirby said the second half of the year has become more predictable and the company has potential "upside" to beat its earnings targets as customers returned to booking flights. Also, Alaska Air Group (ALK) closed up more than +3% and American Airlines Group (AAL) closed up more than +2%. In addition, Delta Air Lines (DAL) closed up more than +1%.
PepsiCo (PEP) closed up more than +7% to lead gainers in the Nasdaq 100 after reporting Q2 net revenue of $22.73 billion, above the consensus of $22.32 billion.
Snap-on (SNA) closed up more than +7% after reporting Q2 net sales of $1.18 billion, stronger than the consensus of $1.16 billion.
Steven Madden Ltd (SHOO) closed up more than +6% after Citigroup upgraded the stock to buy from neutral with a price target of $32.
CSX Corp (CSX) closed up more than +4% after Semafor reported that Union Pacific is exploring an acquisition of the company.
Travelers Cos (TRV) closed up more than +3% to lead gainers in the Dow Jones Industrials after reporting Q1 core EPS of $6.51, well above the consensus of $3.60.
Mondelez International (MDLZ) closed up more than +3% after Jefferies upgraded the stock to buy from hold with a price target of $78.
Health insurance providers are sliding today, led by a -12% plunge in Elevance Health (ELV) to lead losers in the S&P 500 after cutting its earnings outlook for the year to "approximately" $30 per share, well below a previous forecast of $34.15 to $34.85 per share. Also, Molina Healthcare (MOH) closed down more than -5% and Centene (CNC) closed down more than -4%. In addition, Cigna Group (CI) closed down more than -2% and Humana (HUM) closed down more than -1%. Finally, UnitedHealth Group (UNH) closed down more than -1% to lead losers in the Dow Jones Industrials.
Sonic Automotive (SAH) closed down -10% after JPMorgan Chase downgraded the stock to underweight from overweight with a price target of $72.
Abbott Laboratories (ABT) closed down more than -8% after reporting Q2 organic sales of +6.90%, below the consensus of +7.03% and forecasting full-year organic sales of +6% to +7%, weaker than the consensus of +7.37%.
Starwood Property Trust (STWD) closed down more than -5% after selling over 25.5 million shares of its common stock in an underwritten public offering overnight between $19.91 to $20.33 a share, below Wednesday's closing price of $20.85.
Shake Shack (SHAK) closed down more than -1% after Jeffries downgraded the stock to underperform from hold with a price target of $120.
Zoetis (ZTS) closed down -1% after Leerink Partners downgraded the stock to market perform from outperform.
Earnings Reports (7/18/2025)
3M Co (MMM), Ally Financial Inc (ALLY), American Express Co (AXP), Charles Schwab Corp/The (SCHW), Comerica Inc (CMA), Euronet Worldwide Inc (EEFT), Huntington Bancshares Inc/OH (HBAN), MarketAxess Holdings Inc (MKTX), Regions Financial Corp (RF), Schlumberger NV (SLB), Southern Copper Corp (SCCO), Truist Financial Corp (TFC).
On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 Rally to Record Highs on a Resilient US Economy

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) today is up +0.25%, the Dow Jones Industrials Index ($DOWI) (DIA) is up +0.19%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) is up +0.47%. September E-mini S&P futures (ESU25) are up +0.25%, and September E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQU25) are up +0.51%.
Stocks are climbing today on signs the US economy is holding up, despite tariff uncertainty. Positive economic news today included a decline in weekly jobless claims to a 3-month low, a stronger-than-expected retail sales report, and a rise in the Philadelphia Fed index to a 5-month high.
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Strength in airline stocks is also lifting the broader market, as United Airlines Holdings jumped more than 3% after CEO Kirby said the second half of the year has become more predictable and the company has potential “upside” to beat its earnings targets, as customers return to booking flights.
On the negative side, health insurers are retreating today, led by an -11% plunge in Elevance Health after the company cut its earnings outlook for the year. Also, hawkish comments from Fed Governor Adriana Kugler were bearish for stocks when she said the Fed should keep interest rates on hold “for some time,” citing accelerating inflation as tariffs start to boost prices.
US weekly initial unemployment claims unexpectedly fell -7,000 to a 3-month low of 221,000, showing a stronger labor market than expectations of an increase to 233,000.
US June retail sales rose +0.6% m/m, stronger than expectations of +0.1% m/m, and June retail sales ex-autos rose +0.5% m/m, stronger than expectations of +0.3% m/m.
The US June import price index ex-petroleum was unchanged m/m, weaker than expectations of +0.2% m/m.
The US July Philadelphia Fed business outlook survey rose +19.9 to a 5-month high of 15.9, stronger than expectations of -1.0.
The US July NAHB housing market index rose +1 to 33, right on expectations.
On the trade front, President Trump said late Wednesday that he intends to send a tariff letter to more than 150 countries notifying them their tariff rates could be 10% or 15%, effective August 1, and that the group was “not big countries who don’t do that much business with the US.”
Also, signs that the US could ease some of its export restrictions on semiconductor chips to China are bullish for chip makers. Commerce Secretary Lutnick said Nvidia could soon resume sales of its less advanced H20 chips to China, and Advanced Micro Devices received similar assurances from the Commerce Department, a sign that the US may be in the process of negotiating a grand trade deal with China. Treasury Secretary Bessent is expected to meet his Chinese counterpart, Vice Premier He Lifeng, within “the next couple of weeks” and signaled the US will likely extend an August 12 deadline for the easing of sky-high tariffs.
However, stocks were undercut by negative trade news that emerged last week and during this past weekend. Over the weekend, President Trump announced that the US will impose 30% tariffs on US imports from the European Union and Mexico, effective August 1. Mr. Trump said last Thursday that a 35% tariff on some Canadian products would take effect on August 1, up from the current 25%. Last week, Mr. Trump imposed a 50% tariff on copper imports, which will include semi-finished goods, and stated that drug companies could face tariffs as high as 200% on imports if they don’t relocate production to the US within the next year.
Federal funds futures prices are discounting the chances for a -25 bp rate cut at 3% at the July 29-30 FOMC meeting and 58% at the following meeting on Sep 16-17.
The markets will focus on any fresh news regarding tariffs or trade deals during the remainder of this week. Later today, the July NAHB housing market index is expected to rise +1 to 33. On Friday, June housing starts are expected to climb +3.3% m/m to 1.298 million, and June building permits are expected to slip -0.6% m/m to 1.386 million. Also, the University of Michigan’s US July consumer sentiment index is expected to climb +0.8 to 61.5.
Earnings season began in earnest this week with a focus on big bank earnings results. The consensus is for S&P 500 companies to show Q2 earnings growth of +2.8% y/y, the smallest increase in two years, according to Bloomberg Intelligence. Also, only six of the eleven S&P 500 sectors are projected to post an increase in earnings, the fewest since Q1 of 2023, according to Yardeni Research.
Overseas stock markets today are higher. The Euro Stoxx 50 is up +1.23%. China’s Shanghai Composite closed up +0.37%. Japan’s Nikkei Stock 225 closed up +0.60%.
Interest Rates
September 10-year T-notes (ZNU25) today are up +3 ticks. The 10-year T-note yield is down -2.4 bp to 4.431%. T-notes recovered from early losses today and moved higher on carryover support from late Wednesday when President Trump said he has “no plans” on firing Fed Chair Powell. T-notes also found support on signs of easing price pressures after today’s news showed the June import price index ex-petroleum rose less than expected.
T-notes initially moved lower today on stronger-than-expected US economic news, including June retail sales, weekly initial unemployment claims, and the July Philadelphia Fed manufacturing survey, which signaled strength in the US economy that was hawkish for Fed policy. Also, strength in stocks today has reduced safe-haven demand for T-notes. In addition, hawkish comments from Fed Governor Adriana Kugler limited gains in T-notes when she said the Fed should keep interest rate on hold “for some time.”
European government bond yields today are moving lower. The 10-year German bund yield is down -2.0 bp to 2.667%. The 10-year UK gilt yield fell from a 6-week high of 4.678% and is down -0.1 bp to 4.638%.
Swaps are discounting the chances at 1% for a -25 bp rate cut by the ECB at the July 24 policy meeting.
US Stock Movers
United Airlines Holdings (UAL) is up more than +3% to lead airline stocks higher after CEO Kirby said the second half of the year has become more predictable and the company has potential “upside” to beat its earnings targets as customers returned to booking flights. Also, Alaska Air Group (ALK) is up more than +3% and American Airlines Group (AAL) is up more than +2%. In addition, Delta Air Lines (DAL) is up more than +1%.
PepsiCo (PEP) is up more than +6% to lead gainers in the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 after reporting Q2 net revenue of $22.73 billion, above the consensus of $22.32 billion.
Snap-on (SNA) is up more than +5% after reporting Q2 net sales of $1.18 billion, stronger than the consensus of $1.16 billion.
CSX Corp (CSX) is up more than +2% after Semafor reported that Union Pacific is exploring an acquisition of the company.
Steven Madden Ltd (SHOO) is up more than +5% after Citigroup upgraded the stock to buy from neutral with a price target of $32.
Travelers Cos (TRV) is up more than +2% to lead gainers in the Dow Jones Industrials after reporting Q1 core EPS of $6.51, well above the consensus of $3.60.
Mondelez International (MDLZ) is up more than +2% after Jefferies upgraded the stock to buy from hold with a price target of $78.
Health insurance providers are sliding today, led by an -11% plunge in Elevance Health (ELV) to lead losers in the S&P 500 after cutting its earnings outlook for the year to “approximately” $30 per share, well below a previous forecast of $34.15 to $34.85 per share. Also, Molina Healthcare (MOH) is down more than -3%. In addition, Humana (HUM), Centene (CNC), and Cigna Group (CI) are down more than -2%. Finally, UnitedHealth Group (UNH) is down more than -1% to lead losers in the Dow Jones Industrials.
Sonic Automotive (SAH) is down more than -8% after JPMorgan Chase downgraded the stock to underweight from overweight with a price target of $72.
Abbott Laboratories (ABT) is down more than -7% after reporting Q2 organic sales of +6.90%, below the consensus of +7.03% and forecasting full-year organic sales of +6% to +7%, weaker than the consensus of +7.37%.
Starwood Property Trust (STWD) is down more than -4% after selling over 25.5 million shares of its common stock in an underwritten public offering overnight between $19.91 to $20.33 a share, below Wednesday’s closing price of $20.85.
Archer-Daniels-Midland (ADM) is down more than -2% after President Trump said Coca-Cola has agreed to use “real cane sugar” in Coke soda in the US, which could reduce demand for ADM’s corn syrup and hurt its corn-processing business.
Shake Shack (SHAK) is down more than -2% after Jeffries downgraded the stock to underperform from hold with a price target of $120.
MP Materials (MP) is down more than -1% after it said it commenced a $500 million underwritten public offering of its common stock to fund its expansion.
Earnings Reports (7/17/2025)
PepsiCo Inc (PEP), Travelers Cos Inc/The (TRV), Abbott Laboratories (ABT), Elevance Health Inc (ELV), Cintas Corp (CTAS), Marsh & McLennan Cos Inc (MMC), US Bancorp (USB), Snap-on Inc (SNA), General Electric Co (GE), Citizens Financial Group Inc (CFG), Fifth Third Bancorp (FITB), Netflix Inc (NFLX).
On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Stocks Supported by Signs of US Economic Strength

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) today is up +0.30%, the Dow Jones Industrials Index ($DOWI) (DIA) is up +0.35%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) is up +0.40%. September E-mini S&P futures (ESU25) are up +0.08%, and September E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQU25) are up +0.18%.
Stocks are climbing today on signs the US economy is holding up, despite tariff uncertainty. Positive economic news today included a decline in weekly jobless claims to a 3-month low, a stronger-than-expected retail sales report, and a rise in the Philadelphia Fed index to a 5-month high.
Join 200K+ Subscribers: Find out why the midday Barchart Brief newsletter is a must-read for thousands daily.
Strength in airline stocks is also lifting the broader market as United Airlines Holdings jumped more than +6% after CEO Kirby said the second half of the year has become more predictable, and the company has potential "upside" to beat its earnings targets as customers returned to booking flights.
On the negative side, health insurers are retreating today, led by an -11% plunge in Elevance Health after the company cut its earnings outlook for the year.
US weekly initial unemployment claims unexpectedly fell -7,000 to a 3-month low of 221,000, showing a stronger labor market than expectations of an increase to 233,000.
US June retail sales rose +0.6% m/m, stronger than expectations of +0.1% m/m, and June retail sales ex-autos rose +0.5% m/m, stronger than expectations of +0.3% m/m.
The US June import price index ex-petroleum was unchanged m/m, weaker than expectations of +0.2% m/m.
The US July Philadelphia Fed business outlook survey rose +19.9 to a 5-month high of 15.9, stronger than expectations of -1.0.
On the trade front, President Trump said late Wednesday that he intends to send a tariff letter to more than 150 countries notifying them their tariff rates could be 10% or 15%, effective August 1, and that the group was "not big countries who don't do that much business with the US."
Also, signs that the US could ease some of its export restrictions on semiconductor chips to China are bullish for chip makers. Commerce Secretary Lutnick said Nvidia could soon resume sales of its less advanced H20 chips to China, and Advanced Micro Devices received similar assurances from the Commerce Department, a sign that the US may be in the process of negotiating a grand trade deal with China. Treasury Secretary Bessent is expected to meet his Chinese counterpart, Vice Premier He Lifeng, within "the next couple of weeks" and signaled the US will likely extend an August 12 deadline for the easing of sky-high tariffs.
However, stocks were undercut by negative trade news that emerged last week and during this past weekend. Over the weekend, President Trump announced that the US will impose 30% tariffs on US imports from the European Union and Mexico, effective August 1. Mr. Trump said last Thursday that a 35% tariff on some Canadian products would take effect on August 1, up from the current 25%. Last week, Mr. Trump imposed a 50% tariff on copper imports, which will include semi-finished goods, and stated that drug companies could face tariffs as high as 200% on imports if they don't relocate production to the US within the next year.
Federal funds futures prices are discounting the chances for a -25 bp rate cut at 3% at the July 29-30 FOMC meeting and 58% at the following meeting on Sep 16-17.
The markets will focus on any fresh news regarding tariffs or trade deals during the remainder of this week. Later today, the July NAHB housing market index is expected to rise +1 to 33. On Friday, June housing starts are expected to climb +3.3% m/m to 1.298 million, and June building permits are expected to slip -0.6% m/m to 1.386 million. Also, the University of Michigan's US July consumer sentiment index is expected to climb +0.8 to 61.5.
Earnings season began in earnest this week with a focus on big bank earnings results. The consensus is for S&P 500 companies to show Q2 earnings growth of +2.8% y/y, the smallest increase in two years, according to Bloomberg Intelligence. Also, only six of the eleven S&P 500 sectors are projected to post an increase in earnings, the fewest since Q1 of 2023, according to Yardeni Research.
Overseas stock markets today are higher. The Euro Stoxx 50 is up +1.11%. China's Shanghai Composite closed up +0.37%. Japan's Nikkei Stock 225 closed up +0.60%.
Interest Rates
September 10-year T-notes (ZNU25) today are up +4 ticks. The 10-year T-note yield is down -2.2 bp to 4.433%. T-notes recovered from early losses today and moved higher on carryover support from late Wednesday when President Trump said he has "no plans” on firing Fed Chair Powell. T-notes also found support on signs of easing price pressures after today's news showed the Jun import price index ex-petroleum rose less than expected.
T-notes initially moved lower today on stronger-than-expected US economic news, including June retail sales, weekly initial unemployment claims, and the July Philadelphia Fed manufacturing survey, which signaled strength in the US economy that was hawkish for Fed policy. Also, strength in stocks today has reduced safe-haven demand for T-notes.
European government bond yields today are moving higher. The 10-year German bund yield is up +0.4 bp to 2.691%. The 10-year UK gilt yield climbed to a 6-week high of 4.678% and is up +2.2 bp to 4.660%.
Swaps are discounting the chances at 1% for a -25 bp rate cut by the ECB at the July 24 policy meeting.
US Stock Movers
United Airlines Holdings (UAL) is up more than +6% to lead airline stocks higher after CEO Kirby said the second half of the year has become more predictable and the company has potential "upside" to beat its earnings targets as customers returned to booking flights. Also, American Airlines Group (AAL) is up more than +5% and Alaska Air Group (ALK) is up more than +3%. In addition, Delta Air Lines (DAL) is up more than +2% and Southwest Airlines (LUV) is up more than +1%.
Snap-on (SNA) is up more than +6% to lead gainers in the S&P 500 after reporting Q2 net sales of $1.18 billion, stronger than the consensus of $1.16 billion.
PepsiCo (PEP) is up more than +6% to lead gainers in the Nasdaq 100 after reporting Q2 net revenue of $22.73 billion, above the consensus of $22.32 billion.
CSX Corp (CSX) is up more than +3% after Semafor reported that Union Pacific is exploring an acquisition of the company.
Steven Madden Ltd (SHOO) is up more than +7% after Citigroup upgraded the stock to buy from neutral with a price target of $32.
Toast (TOST) is up more than +3% after Deutsche Bank upgraded the stock to buy from not rated with a price target of $54.
Mondelez International (MDLZ) is up more than +1% after Jefferies upgraded the stock to buy from hold with a price target of $78.
Health insurance providers are sliding today, led by an -11% plunge in Elevance Health (ELV) to lead losers in the S&P 500 after cutting its earnings outlook for the year to "approximately" $30 per share, well below a previous forecast of $34.15 to $34.85 per share. Also, Molina Healthcare (MOH) is down more than -5%. In addition, Humana (HUM), Centene (CNC), and Cigna Group (CI) are down more than -2%. Finally, UnitedHealth Group (UNH) is down more than -1% to lead losers in the Dow Joens Industrials.
Sonic Automotive (SAH) is down more than -6% after JPMorgan Chase downgraded the stock to underweight from overweight with a price target of $72.
Starwood Property Trust (STWD) is down more than -4% after selling over 25.5 million shares of its common stock in an underwritten public offering overnight between $19.91 to $20.33 a share, below Wednesday's closing price of $20.85.
MP Materials (MP) is down more than -2% after it said it commenced a $500 million underwritten public offering of its common stock to fund its expansion.
Archer-Daniels-Midland (ADM) is down more than -1% after President Trump said Coca-Cola has agreed to use "real cane sugar" in Coke soda in the US, which could reduce demand for ADM's corn syrup and hurt its corn-processing business.
Shake Shack (SHAK) is down more than -1% after Jeffries downgraded the stock to underperform from hold with a price target of $120.
Earnings Reports (7/17/2025)
PepsiCo Inc (PEP), Travelers Cos Inc/The (TRV), Abbott Laboratories (ABT), Elevance Health Inc (ELV), Cintas Corp (CTAS), Marsh & McLennan Cos Inc (MMC), US Bancorp (USB), Snap-on Inc (SNA), General Electric Co (GE), Citizens Financial Group Inc (CFG), Fifth Third Bancorp (FITB), Netflix Inc (NFLX).
On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Signs of Economic Strength Boost Stocks

Key Points
The S&P 500 has rebounded to post a solid gain year to date.
However, the benchmark index also includes many stocks that are down in 2025.
Investors looking for bargains should consider the S&P 500's biggest laggards.
After briefly dipping into bear market territory just three months ago, the S&P 500 (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC) has quickly managed to recover, rising 6.6% year to date (as of this writing). But not all stocks in the index are doing well. If you're hunting for beaten-down bargains, these two laggards should top your watch list.
This healthcare giant is in trouble
Shares of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) are down 41% so far in 2025. Over the past few months, United Healthcare has sharply reduced its annual forecast, experienced a rapid rise in claim costs, attracted regulatory scrutiny over potential overbilling, and lost its CEO in an abrupt departure. Several analysts have cut their ratings and price targets on the stock as a result.
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Though the company does face near-term uncertainty, the recent sell-off has made UnitedHealth perhaps one of the biggest bargains on the market today with shares trading at just over 12 times earnings. Investors who choose to buy the dip, however, should be prepared to experience continued volatility.
Deckers Outdoor is down roughly 50%
Deckers Outdoor (NYSE: DECK) makes footwear and apparel with a brand portfolio that includes UGG, Hoka, Teva, and Koolaburra. With shares cut in half in 2025, Deckers is the worst-performing stock in the S&P 500 year to date. What's going on?
President Trump's new tariff policies forced the company to scrap its entire annual forecast, with management citing unpredictable increases in manufacturing costs as roughly 20% of its products are made in China. Costs are expected to rise by around $150 million in fiscal 2026.
After the drop, shares trade at just 15.5 times trailing earnings with some arguing the stock is now a long-term buy.
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Ryan Vanzo has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Deckers Outdoor. The Motley Fool recommends UnitedHealth Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.