The S&P 500 Index is up 0.24%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average is up 0.80%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index is up 0.20% as of today. The Dow hit a two-month high, bolstered by signs that Iran will participate in peace talks with the U.S. in Pakistan. President Trump stated that Vice President Vance will resume talks either Tuesday night or Wednesday morning, with a ceasefire deadline approaching.
Additionally, U.S. retail sales for March rose by 1.7% month-over-month, exceeding expectations of 1.4%, marking the largest increase in a year. Market focus is on Kevin Warsh’s confirmation hearing for Fed Chair, with concerns from Senator Thom Tillis regarding ongoing Department of Justice investigations that could delay the nomination.
In corporate news, UnitedHealth Group’s shares surged over 9% after reporting Q1 adjusted EPS of $9.23, above estimates. Overall, 81% of S&P 500 companies that reported Q1 earnings so far have beaten expectations, with a projected 12% year-over-year increase in earnings.
