S&P 500 Gains and Losses Today: Merck Stock Plunges on Guidance Cut

Key TakeawaysThe S&P 500 fell 0.5% on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, as tech stocks lost ground ahead of key earnings reports and a decision on interest rates from the Federal Reserve. Merck shares plunged after the pharmaceutical giant lowered its profit outlook to account for a one-time charge related to its EyeBio acquisition.Shares of Howmet Aerospace took off following strong quarterly results driven by robust demand for commercial aircraft components. Major U.S. equities indexes were mixed for the second str ...