Stock Market Falls as Investors Await Fed Chair Powell's Remarks

Major U.S. stock indexes declined on Thursday as investors awaited commentary from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. The market movement was reported by Yahoo Finance, noting the S&P 500 fell 0.4% for its fifth consecutive losing session, while the Dow and Nasdaq dropped 0.3%.

The solar sector experienced significant pressure, with First Solar (FSLR) leading the S&P 500 losses, plunging 7% after former President Trump commented on renewable energy projects. Other solar companies, including Sunrun (RUN), Enphase Energy (ENPH), and SolarEdge (SEDG), also traded lower. According to data from the IndexBox platform, this sell‑off introduces uncertainty for a market segment that has seen volatile pricing and supply chain adjustments in recent quarters.

Walmart (WMT) shares fell nearly 5% despite posting a 4.3% increase in comparable store sales, as its quarterly profit missed analyst forecasts. Conversely, Paramount Skydance (PSKY) surged more than 14% following its acquisition of UFC programming rights. In the packaging sector, shares of Packaging Corp of America (PKG) and Smurfit WestRock (SW) rose over 6% and 4%, respectively, on news from International Paper (IP) about plant closures that could constrict supply. IndexBox data indicates that such production cuts have historically led to tighter market conditions and upward pressure on packaging material prices.

Other notable movers include Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), which gained 3.7% on a Morgan Stanley upgrade, and Nordstrom (NDSN), which rose 3% on strong results and a new stock buyback plan. Allstate (ALL) shares declined 3.3% after reporting monthly catastrophe losses.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform

Stock Market Update: S&P 500 Down 0.4%, Solar and Retail Sectors Decline - News and Statistics

U.S. stock indices fell on Thursday as investors awaited remarks from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. The S&P 500 dropped 0.4% for its fifth straight losing day, while the Dow and Nasdaq fell 0.3%. The solar sector saw heavy losses, led by First Solar’s 7% decline after former President Trump’s comments on renewable projects. Other solar stocks such as Sunrun, Enphase Energy and SolarEdge also slipped. Retailer Walmart fell nearly 5% despite a 4.3% rise in comparable store sales, as earnings missed forecasts. Paramount Skydance jumped over 14% after acquiring UFC programming rights. In packaging, Packaging Corp of America and Smurfit WestRock rose 6% and 4% respectively on news of International Paper plant closures that may tighten supply. Hewlett Packard Enterprise gained 3.7% on a Morgan Stanley upgrade, Nordstrom rose 3% on strong results and a new buy‑back plan, and Allstate fell 3.3% after reporting monthly catastrophe losses.