Markets Await Leading Indicators Data

Economic Overview - Market indexes are currently in the red, with the Dow down 160 points, S&P 500 down 23 points, and Nasdaq down 120 points, indicating a negative market sentiment [1] - Fed Chair Powell's comments on the economy remain optimistic, but uncertainties regarding tariff policy persist [2] Labor Market Insights - Initial Jobless Claims for last week were reported at 223K, slightly up from the previous week's revised 221K, indicating a healthy labor market [3][4] - Continuing Claims increased to 1.892 million from a revised 1.859 million, remaining within a stable range [5] Regional Economic Indicators - The Philly Fed index for March was reported at 12.5, exceeding analysts' expectations of 10.0, suggesting positive economic momentum [6] Company Performance - Darden Restaurants reported Q3 earnings of $2.80 per share, missing expectations by a penny but showing an increase from $2.62 per share year-over-year [7] - Revenues of $3.16 billion fell short of the Zacks consensus of $3.21 billion, although this is an increase from $2.97 billion a year ago [7] - Despite the earnings miss, Darden's shares rose by 6% in pre-market trading due to growth prospects from the acquisition of the Chuy's franchise [8]