Market Opens with Mixed Signals

United States markets presented a mixed picture at Thursday's opening. The Dow Jones Industrial Average faced downward pressure, largely due to a significant drop in UnitedHealth shares following a disappointing forecast. Meanwhile, the Nasdaq 100 and S&P 500 showed resilience, posting gains early in the trading session.

Earnings Season Highlights

The day was marked by a flurry of earnings reports. Blackstone reported a notable 10.8% decline in total revenue for the first quarter, contrasting with American Express, which enjoyed a 7% revenue increase. All eyes are now on Netflix, poised to release its quarterly earnings after the market closes.

Economic Indicators Show Varied Trends

Recent data revealed a decrease in initial jobless claims, suggesting a strengthening labor market. However, the housing sector showed signs of strain, with housing starts falling sharply in March. Additional business inventory data is anticipated later in the day, offering further insights into the economic landscape.

Notable Stock Movements

UnitedHealth's shares plummeted by 17.39%, dragging the Dow Jones down by 1.25%. In contrast, Diamondback Energy and Eli Lilly saw their stocks surge, contributing to the Nasdaq 100 and S&P 500's positive performance. Eli Lilly's jump was particularly noteworthy, driven by optimistic news regarding its weight-loss pill.

Currency Fluctuations

The euro experienced a slight decline against the dollar, trading 0.31% lower in early trading hours.