Market Opens with Mixed Signals

United States markets presented a mixed picture at Thursday's opening. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was notably weighed down by UnitedHealth, which saw a dramatic plunge following a disappointing forecast. Meanwhile, the Nasdaq 100 and the S&P 500 showed resilience, posting gains early in the trading session.

Earnings Season in Full Swing

A flurry of earnings reports added layers to the day's market narrative. Blackstone reported a significant drop in total revenue for the first quarter, contrasting with American Express, which enjoyed a revenue increase. Anticipation builds as Netflix prepares to release its Q1 earnings after the closing bell.

Economic Data Highlights

On the economic front, initial jobless claims saw a decrease, offering a glimmer of positivity. However, the housing sector faced challenges, with housing starts experiencing a sharp decline in March. Business inventory data, expected later in the day, is keenly awaited by market participants.

Notable Stock Movements

Among individual stocks, Eli Lilly stood out with a significant surge, driven by optimistic news regarding its weight-loss pill. On the currency markets, the euro experienced a slight dip against the dollar in early trading.