Investopedia·2025-11-21 17:01Market Overview - The three major stock indexes are expected to close the week sharply lower, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq on track for their largest weekly losses since April [1][3] - The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 0.8% after a significant drop earlier in the week, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq also saw slight increases [2][3] - Concerns about AI spending and valuations of major tech firms have contributed to the recent sell-off in equities [1][3] Federal Reserve Insights - New York Fed President John Williams indicated support for a potential interest rate cut "in the near term," leading to a 73.1% likelihood of a rate cut at the next Federal Reserve meeting [2][17] - The Fed's policy committee remains divided on whether to cut rates to support the job market or maintain higher rates to combat inflation [18] Cryptocurrency Trends - Bitcoin has continued its decline, reaching approximately $80,600, its lowest level since April 11, down from an overnight high of over $88,000 [4] Corporate Earnings Highlights - Walmart shares rose 6.5% after reporting better-than-expected third-quarter results and raising its fiscal 2026 outlook [6] - Gap Inc. reported third-quarter adjusted earnings per share of $0.62, exceeding analyst expectations, and raised its guidance for fiscal 2025 [9][10] - Elastic shares fell 15% despite reporting better-than-expected results and raising its outlook for fiscal 2026 [12][13] - BJ's Wholesale Club raised its full-year profit forecast after reporting better-than-expected third-quarter net income [23] Sector Performance - The S&P 500's Health Care Index has risen 5% this month, outperforming the broader market, which is down more than 4% [14][15] - Eli Lilly briefly reached a market capitalization of $1 trillion, becoming the first healthcare firm to do so [19]