Group 1: Market Overview - The markets were mostly flat, with the small-cap Russell 2000 declining by -1.24% after a +2% gain the previous day [1] - The S&P 500 reached a third consecutive all-time closing high, increasing by +0.03% [1] - The Dow Jones Industrial Average finished down -0.025%, recovering from a drop of -200 points earlier in the day, while the Nasdaq slipped -0.01% [1] Group 2: Interest Rate Outlook - Analysts anticipate a 25 basis-point interest rate cut at the Federal Reserve's next meeting scheduled for September 16-17 [2] - The likelihood of a September rate cut is currently at 93%, but this may change based on upcoming inflation data, including CPI, PPI, and PCE reports [3][2] Group 3: Company Performance - Applied Materials - Applied Materials reported earnings of $2.48 per share, exceeding the Zacks consensus estimate of $2.34, with revenues of $7.3 billion compared to the expected $7.2 billion [4] - Despite outperforming on earnings, the company provided a weak outlook for the current quarter, leading to a -12% decline in shares during after-hours trading [4] - The revised guidance indicates a top-line expectation of $6.7 billion, down from a previous estimate of $7.3 billion, and an earnings guidance midpoint of $2.11 per share, reduced from $2.38 per share [5] Group 4: Upcoming Economic Reports - A range of economic reports is expected tomorrow, including Retail Sales, Imports and Exports, and Industrial Production/Capacity Utilization for July, as well as the August Empire State manufacturing index [6] - Following the market opening, Business Inventories for June and Consumer Sentiment for August will be released [6] Group 5: Earnings Reports Next Week - The earnings reporting schedule will pick up next week with major retailers such as Walmart, Target, Home Depot, Lowe's, and The TJX Companies set to release their July quarter results [7] - Additionally, Palo Alto Networks and Estee Lauder are also expected to report earnings next week [7]