Stock Market Today: Nasdaq Composite, S&P 500 Hit Records After Delayed Inflation Report Arrives Softer Than Expected

Market Overview - U.S. markets opened positively with small cap-focused Russell 2000 rising by 1.22%, while large cap indexes such as Nasdaq Composite, S&P 500, and Dow increased by 0.87%, 0.62%, and 0.51% respectively after the Consumer Price Index (CPI) data was released softer than expected [1] - The Consumer Price Index came in at 3% year-over-year, with a month-over-month increase of 0.3%, while Core CPI also rose by 3% YoY and 0.2% MoM, which was below analysts' expectations [2] Economic Indicators - The CPI report is significant as it is the first major government-issued report since the recent government shutdown, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) bringing back employees to prepare the report for the annual Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for Social Security recipients [3] - Current CPI numbers are not expected to influence the Federal Reserve's anticipated interest rate cut at the upcoming Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting, following a previous rate cut in September [4] Company Movements - Comfort Systems USA saw a significant increase of 17% in premarket trading, driven by positive earnings reports [5] - Other notable movers include SLM Corp (+8.6%), Intel (+6.8%), SS&C Technologies (+3.86%), and Ford (+3.8%), all benefiting from their earnings reports released the previous evening [6] - HCA Healthcare increased by 4.05% after raising annual forecasts due to strong demand for medical services, while Procter & Gamble rose by 3.47% despite warning of a "bifurcation" in consumer spending [6]