U.S. stocks are holding firm as UnitedHealth Group and other major companies reported profits exceeding analyst expectations, boosting market optimism. UnitedHealth’s stock jumped 9.4% after it raised its profit forecast for 2026. Quest Diagnostics also rose 5.8% after surpassing profit and revenue expectations.
Oil prices remained stable, with Brent crude dipping 0.7% to $94.78. This stability comes amid hopes that the U.S. and Iran will avoid a worst-case economic scenario despite ongoing conflict. Retail sales showed resilience, indicating a potentially stable U.S. economy, with March sales exceeding analyst expectations.
On Wall Street, Apple slipped 0.6% after CEO Tim Cook announced he would step down on September 1. Treasury yields edged higher, with the 10-year Treasury rising to 4.27%. Kevin Warsh, President Donald Trump’s nominee to chair the Federal Reserve, is set to speak on Capitol Hill later Tuesday.
