ZACKS·2025-10-15 22:51Market Performance - Major market indexes finished mostly higher, with the Nasdaq up +148 points (+0.66%) and the small-cap Russell 2000 closing at a new all-time high, up +24 points (+0.97%). The Dow closed slightly down by -17 points (-0.04%) [1][8]. Earnings Season - Q3 earnings season has been strong, with all major Wall Street banks reporting better-than-expected results on both revenue and earnings. Non-bank companies like Johnson & Johnson and Delta Air Lines also exceeded expectations [2]. Economic Indicators - The October Beige Book from the Federal Reserve indicated a mixed economic outlook, with slight growth reported in Boston, Philadelphia, and Richmond, while slight declines were noted in New York, Minneapolis, Kansas City, and San Francisco. Five cities reported flat conditions [3]. Consumer Spending - Overall retail consumer spending decreased, despite an increase in electric vehicle sales. Luxury retail remained strong, unaffected by economic challenges. Price increases due to tariffs varied by region, and labor stability showed signs of strain in sectors like Hospitality, Agriculture, Construction, and Manufacturing [4]. United Airlines Performance - United Airlines reported Q3 earnings of $2.78 per share, surpassing the consensus estimate of $2.64 but lower than the $3.33 reported in the same quarter last year. Revenue was $15.23 billion, slightly below the expected $15.30 billion [5][6]. Future Economic Data - Upcoming economic data releases include Weekly Jobless Claims, Retail Sales, and Producer Price Index (PPI) for September, which are currently delayed due to the federal government shutdown. The Federal Reserve is expected to maintain its proposed 25 basis-point rate cut [7][9].