For Immediate Release
Chicago, IL – July 31, 2025 – Zacks.com has published its daily Analyst Blog, featuring stocks such as Microsoft (MSFT), Meta Platforms (META), Ford Motor Co. (F), and Qualcomm (QCOM).
Market Response to Powell’s Comments
Following Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s comments on maintaining interest rates steady at 4.25-4.50%, market indexes showed a significant drop. The Dow, S&P 500, and small-cap Russell 2000 declined by -0.38%, -0.12%, and -0.86%, respectively, while the Nasdaq closed slightly up by +0.15%. This was influenced by Powell’s remarks about tariff-led inflation, revealing the Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate at +2.7%. The Federal Open Market Committee did not reach a unanimous decision; two governors called for a 25 basis point cut.
Company Earnings Highlights
Microsoft reported Q4 earnings of $3.65 per share, exceeding estimates by 30 cents, alongside revenues of $76.4 billion. Meta Platforms beat projections with earnings of $7.14 per share and revenues of $47.52 billion. Ford reported Q2 earnings of 37 cents per share but indicated $800 million in losses due to tariffs. Qualcomm’s fiscal Q3 earnings were $2.77 per share but missed revenue expectations at $10.37 billion.
