US Stock Markets Mixed Amid Corporate Earnings and Trade Uncertainty

The New York Stock Exchange wrapped up Tuesday’s session with a mixed performance, reflecting a blend of upbeat corporate earnings and renewed tensions surrounding US-China trade relations. President Donald Trump’s ambiguous remarks about a potential meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping added to investor caution, even as major firms posted robust results.

Strong gains for US companies

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.47%, gaining 218.16 points to close at 46,924.74, while the S&P 500 was little changed at 6,735.35. The tech-heavy Nasdaq, however, slipped 0.16%, ending the day at 22,953.67.

General Motors outperformed market expectations, boosting its annual profit forecast and sending its shares up nearly 15%. Coca-Cola also climbed 4.1% after stronger-than-anticipated third-quarter results. Industrial conglomerate 3M saw its shares jump 7.7% following an upward revision of its yearly earnings outlook.

Mixed movement in defense and tobacco sectors

Despite revising its profit forecast higher, tobacco giant Philip Morris recorded a 3.8% decline in share value. In the defense sector, Lockheed Martin, RTX, and GE Aerospace all raised their year-end guidance. Yet while RTX and GE shares climbed 7.7% and 1.3%, respectively, Lockheed Martin slipped 3.2%.

Political uncertainty over US budget and trade

The ongoing government shutdown in Washington, now stretching since October 1, has weighed on sentiment. The Senate rejected an interim funding bill for the 11th time on Tuesday, with another vote expected Wednesday. The stalemate has raised concerns about possible disruptions to federal operations and economic momentum.

Meanwhile, Trump’s shifting statements on his planned talks with Xi in South Korea created further uncertainty. “I said I would meet him within two weeks—maybe it won’t happen,” Trump told reporters, leaving the timing of the high-level encounter unclear.