Last week saw heightened volatility across major U.S. indices, triggered by geopolitical tensions and sector-specific setbacks. The S&P 500 remained flat, and the Nasdaq dipped slightly into the red. However, the Dow Jones Industrial Average underperformed significantly, dragged down by steep declines in UnitedHealth and Nvidia.
UnitedHealth saw its shares fall over 20% after a poor quarterly report and a lowered full-year forecast. Meanwhile, Nvidia dropped nearly 7% following news of additional U.S. restrictions on AI chip exports to China, shaving over $250 billion off its market cap.
Amid the turbulence, some stocks shone. Hertz jumped more than 3% after activist investor Bill Ackman disclosed a large stake, signaling confidence in the company’s recovery trajectory. Pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly also gained 3% after a successful late-stage trial for its experimental weight-loss pill, reinforcing its strong position in the booming obesity treatment market. These gains provided a counterbalance to the broader unease in the tech and healthcare sectors.
Earnings Reports from Tesla, Alphabet, Boeing, and Others Set to Impact Markets
Investors now turn their focus to an earnings-heavy week featuring major players across diverse industries. Tesla, Alphabet, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, AbbVie, and Procter & Gamble are among the most anticipated reports. Economic data releases — including PMI numbers, jobless claims, and the Federal Reserve’s Beige Book — are also on the radar. These updates are expected to provide clarity on inflation trends, labor market health, and broader economic momentum.
Dow Stumbles as Nvidia and UnitedHealth Slide While Investors Brace for Earnings-Fueled WeekTesla’s Tuesday earnings report is particularly closely watched. The electric vehicle maker has seen a sharp 15% drop in California registrations — its largest domestic market — for the sixth consecutive quarter. This signals intensifying competitive pressure, an aging vehicle lineup, and potential fallout from CEO Elon Musk’s polarizing public image. Investors are keen to see how Tesla responds to these challenges in its latest results.
Global Earnings, Sector Insights, and Economic Data to Shape Investor Sentiment This Week
Key reports from international companies like SAP and Novartis will test global investor confidence. GE Aerospace and Verizon will provide insights into the state of defense spending and telecom sector performance. Additionally, updates from Intuitive Surgical, Danaher, Chubb, and Lockheed Martin are expected to shed light on the momentum in medical technology and the resilience of traditionally defensive sectors amid ongoing uncertainty.
The week concludes with a flurry of earnings from a wide range of sectors. Alphabet will report under the cloud of a progressing antitrust lawsuit that threatens its ad tech business. Consumer giants like Procter & Gamble and PepsiCo, healthcare leaders like Merck and Gilead, and telecom and media firms including T-Mobile and Comcast will all provide crucial insights.
Economic indicators — including durable goods orders and jobless claims — will further shape the market’s expectations for potential interest rate cuts or continued Fed caution. Friday’s wrap-up reports from names like Charter, Aon, and HCA will help investors gauge the real health of the Q1 economy and chart the course ahead.