Wall Street ends mixed as earnings lift the Dow

Market Overview - The S&P 500 closed essentially unchanged, while the Nasdaq experienced a nominal decline due to weakness in growth and microchip stocks [1][8] - The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by 218.16 points, or 0.47%, to 46,924.74, while the Nasdaq Composite lost 36.88 points, or 0.16%, to 22,953.67 [9] Earnings Season Insights - Third-quarter earnings season is in full swing, with 78 companies in the S&P 500 having reported, of which 87% exceeded Wall Street expectations [5][9] - General Motors raised its forecast and mitigated its anticipated tariff impact, resulting in a 14.9% increase in its shares [1][8] - Coca-Cola shares rose by 4.1% due to strong consumer demand leading to better-than-expected results [4][8] - 3M's shares advanced by 7.7% after it raised its full-year forecast, focusing on higher-margin products and cost controls [4][8] - Netflix shares dropped by 5.8% after missing earnings targets [4][8] Sector Performance - Among the 11 major sectors of the S&P 500, consumer discretionary and industrials were the top gainers, while utilities faced the largest percentage loss [9] - The S&P 1500 Aerospace/Defense index increased by 1.9%, with companies like Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman raising their forecasts due to solid demand for military equipment [8] Corporate Developments - Warner Brothers Discovery's shares surged by 11.0% after announcing it is considering an outright sale, with interest from multiple potential buyers [5][9] - The board of Warner Brothers Discovery rejected an offer from Paramount Skydance [9] Economic Context - The ongoing government shutdown has created uncertainty for investors and policymakers, complicating the Federal Reserve's data-dependent approach [9] - Economists predict two more 25-basis-point reductions to the Fed's key policy rate by year-end, despite divided opinions on the Fed's future path [9] Trade Relations - U.S. President Donald Trump expressed optimism about reaching a "fair deal" with Chinese President Xi Jinping, downplaying tensions over Taiwan [6][9] - Markets are closely monitoring Trump's upcoming meeting with Xi at the economic summit in South Korea [7][9]