Week in review: The Fed lowered interest rates, 2 portfolio stocks hit milestones

Market Overview - The stock market experienced volatility due to third-quarter earnings reports, the Federal Reserve's interest rate decision, and developments in the China-U.S. trade war, yet all three major indexes (S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Dow) ended the week positively [1] - The Federal Reserve cut interest rates by a quarter-point for the second time this year, with Chairman Jerome Powell emphasizing a commitment to reducing inflation to 2% [1] - The S&P 500 increased by 2.3% and the Nasdaq advanced by 4.7% in October, while the Dow achieved its sixth consecutive month of gains with a return of 2.5% [1] Corporate Earnings - Nvidia became the first U.S. company to surpass a $5 trillion market capitalization, driven by strength in generative AI and partnerships with Nokia and T-Mobile [1] - Apple reached a $4 trillion market capitalization, supported by strong demand for the iPhone 17 and positive analyst ratings [1] - Microsoft reported decent quarterly earnings but faced pressure due to high expectations and increased AI spending, leading to an upgrade in stock rating to a buy-equivalent 1 [1] - Meta Platforms' stock declined by 10% after raising its expense outlook and reporting a significant tax charge, which was viewed as a buying opportunity [1] - Eli Lilly's earnings report led to a price target increase from $800 to $925 due to strong revenue and earnings performance [1] - Amazon's cloud computing unit reported impressive results, prompting an increase in the price target from $250 to $275 while maintaining a buy-equivalent 1 rating [2] Trade Developments - The U.S. and China reached a one-year trade agreement, reducing fentanyl-linked tariffs on China from 20% to 10%, lowering overall levies on Chinese goods to approximately 47% [1] - China agreed to a one-year pause on rare earth export controls, which had been announced earlier in October [1] Company Specific Developments - Corning reported better-than-expected earnings but saw a decline in stock price as investors took profits; the company is viewed positively due to its AI-related products [1] - Boeing faced a mixed quarter with a $9 billion charge-off, leading to a stock decline [1] - Honeywell's Advanced Material business split and began trading under the ticker "SOLS," with shares rising by 6% on the first trading day [2] - DuPont's electronics business, Qnity, is set to begin trading on the S&P 500 [2]