Market Opens Lower Amid Fed Independence Concerns; Walmart Rises on NASDAQ-100 Inclusion

Corporate News - Walmart (WMT) shares increased by approximately 2% after the announcement that it will replace AstraZeneca (AZN) on the NASDAQ-100 index effective January 20, reflecting Walmart's shift towards a more technology-focused operation [4][8] - UnitedHealth (UNH) experienced a decline of 1.9% following a Senate report that revealed the company's aggressive tactics to enhance Medicare payments, which the report criticized as turning risk adjustment into a business [4][8] Earnings Projections - The Q4 2025 earnings season is underway, with S&P 500 earnings per share (EPS) growth projected at 8.3%, primarily driven by a robust 25.9% increase in the Technology sector [4][8] Geopolitical Developments - The Greenland government reaffirmed its strategic alignment with the Western Defense Alliance, emphasizing that its defense will be under NATO auspices, which is a common interest for all member states, including the United States [5][8] Market Overview - US equity markets opened lower, with the Dow Jones down 0.62%, the S&P 500 falling 0.43%, and the Nasdaq dropping 0.39%, primarily due to concerns over Federal Reserve independence [2][8] - The rise in long-term Treasury yields and a weaker dollar were noted as consequences of fears regarding the prosecution of Fed Chair Jerome Powell, which analysts suggest could lead to a more hawkish monetary policy [3][8]