DJIA : Apple Fail
(Wed, 14 Oct 2020). Investors flinched as stimulus talks struggle, and Johnson & Johnson suspended its vaccine trial. Apple stock dropped 3% despite unveiling its new 5G iPhone 12. A risk-off note struck the Dow Jones on Tuesday, as investors flinched after Johnson & Johnson suspended its vaccine trial, and stimulus talks once again look deadlocked. Apple stock also swooned after investors reacted poorly to the 5G iPhone 12 launch.
Dow Jones Slips as Risk Sentiment Sours
Among the major U.S. stock market indices, the Nasdaq edged up slightly, while the Dow Jones and S&P 500 tumbled 0.3%.
On the data front, the headline consumer price index (CPI) came in at 0.2%, matching forecasts, while core CPI missed estimates with a 0.7% reading. Given the massive increase in the money supply, soft inflation readings will cause central bankers to cry out more strongly for the need for fiscal stimulus.
It does not appear that another bazooka is coming, however, as Nancy Pelosi is refusing to accept the White House’s offer of a narrow relief bill. It appears that the Senate is even more frugal, as leader Mitch McConnell is preparing a “skinny” $500 billion bill. Democrats are likely to oppose these measures.
With Republicans forcing through a Supreme Court nomination, they are unlikely to draw much goodwill from Democrats. Donald Trump’s erratic take on stimulus continues, as his initial order to halt talks contrasted with his recent comments, culminating in the following tweet today:
Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Trial Spooks Market
Outside of D.C., there was some bad news in the fight against the pandemic. Dow blue-chip Johnson & Johnson, one of the leaders in the race for a vaccine, suspended its trial after an unexplained illness in one of its test subjects. Such setbacks are commonplace, but with so much riding on this particular vaccine, Wall Street is sensitive to any potential issues.
With plenty of companies in the race, Dow bulls might become more concerned if other leading vaccine candidates also report issues.
Dow 30 Stocks: Apple Unveils 5G iPhone 12, Disney Roars on Restructuring
On a very mixed day for the Dow 30, there were some big winners and losers. Disney stock surged 3% as investors cheered the company’s plans to go all-in on its streaming businesses. The company’s restructuring will bolster the company’s Disney+ service, and Wall Street looks to be very happy.
Apple stock fell 3%, getting little support from its 5G iPhone unveiling, likely because it has been anticipated for some time. Johnson & Johnson was a laggard, tumbling over 2%. Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase fell around 1.5% as U.S. Treasury yields tumbled.
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