Dow falls for a second day, losing more than 200 points as the Fed discusses reducing stimulus this year; Europe stocks close slightly higher as traders digest inflation data
Major U.S. stock indexes slipped Wednesday as investors digested the latest Federal Reserve meeting minutes for insights into tapering plans.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average shed roughly 220 points, or 0.6%, after it snapped a 5-day winning streak on Tuesday. The S&P 500 dipped 0.6%. The Nasdaq Composite edged 0.3% lower.
The Fed published its meeting minutes from its July gathering, revealing discussions about possibly dialing back its monthly bond buying program this year.
Lowe’s shares popped after the home improvement company’s earnings last quarter topped expectations, with higher sales to home professionals.
Target shares pulled back despite the retailer beating on second-quarter earnings. The company’s profit and revenue topped expectations and the company raised its forecast for the second half of the year, citing a good start to back-to-school spending.
European stocks closed slightly higher on Wednesday as investors monitored inflation data and looked ahead to minutes from the Federal Reserve’s latest meeting.
In individual stocks news, Carlsberg shares rose 2.3% after the Danish brewer raised its full-year earnings guidance on Wednesday.
Source: CNBC, Investing.com