Market Opens with Mixed Signals

United States markets presented a mixed picture at Thursday's open. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was notably weighed down by a significant drop in UnitedHealth shares, following a disappointing forecast. Meanwhile, the Nasdaq 100 and S&P 500 showed resilience, with notable gains in specific sectors.

Earnings Reports Stir the Market

A flurry of earnings reports added layers to the day's market narrative. Blackstone reported a downturn in revenue, contrasting with American Express's positive growth. All eyes are now on Netflix, set to reveal its quarterly performance after the market closes.

Economic Data Provides Mixed Insights

Recent economic indicators offered a mixed bag: a drop in initial jobless claims suggests a strengthening labor market, while a significant decrease in housing starts points to potential challenges in the housing sector. Business inventory data, awaited later in the day, could provide further clues to the economic outlook.

Stocks to Watch

UnitedHealth's dramatic fall and Eli Lilly's surge, propelled by news on its weight-loss pill, were among the day's standout stock movements. Diamondback Energy also made headlines with its notable jump.

Currency Movements

The euro experienced a slight decline against the dollar early in the trading day, reflecting the broader market's mixed sentiments.