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Daily Summary

United States Edition

October 30, 2026 at 5:30 AM ET

Markets Recap for October 29, 2026

Tech Earnings Disappoint, S&P 500 Dips 0.30%

What's in the markets today?

The Commerce Department released its advance estimate showing US GDP grew at a 3.4% annualized pace in the third quarter, boosted by personal spending and rising household income. Major tech players reported quarterly earnings, with Eli Lilly, Mastercard, Merck and Caterpillar announcing results before the opening bell that beat expectations, while Amazon reported after the close with results that missed expectations, offering few clear drivers for a broader equity rebound. The S&P 500 slipped 0.30% during the session as mixed corporate results and ongoing pressure in technology shares offset robust economic data from the morning. Core PCE inflation was reported at 3.1% year-over-year, up from 3.0%, giving markets confirmation that price pressures are still accelerating and remain above the Federal Reserve’s target. WTI crude oil edged lower by 0.76%, as commodity markets responded to signs of strong US growth but limited new catalysts on the day.

Benchmark Moves

The S&P 500 slipped 0.30% to 7,720.39 while WTI crude oil dropped 0.76% to 102.00. Major tech earnings released before the close triggered a decline in the Nasdaq 100, which fell 1.38% to 29,402.51. The selloff in tech linked to disappointing corporate results weighed on equities, while lower oil prices eased cost pressures for goods producers. This points to rotation between sectors as companies adjust to shifting margins and demand.

S&P 500
SPX
S&P 500
7,720.39
-23.59-0.30%
Nasdaq 100
NDX
Nasdaq 100
29,402.51
-410.65-1.38%
Dow Jones Industrial Average
DJI
Dow Jones Industrial Average
52,348.24
-132.01-0.25%
US Dollar Index
DXY
US Dollar Index
101.85
-0.30-0.29%
VIX
VIX
VIX
17.20
+0.29+1.71%

Market data as of Oct 29, 2026 at 4:00 PM ET.

Apple
AAPL
Apple
348.91
+5.08+1.48%
Microsoft
MSFT
Microsoft
530.14
-0.87-0.16%
NVIDIA
NVDA
NVIDIA
213.66
-1.72-0.80%
Amazon
AMZN
Amazon
243.79
-10.81-4.25%
Alphabet
GOOGL
Alphabet
283.82
-41.07-12.64%

Market data as of Oct 29, 2026 at 4:00 PM ET.

Commodities & Crypto

Detailed View →
Gold
GC
Gold
4,031.40
-20.20-0.50%
Silver
SI
Silver
52.38
-1.29-2.40%
WTI Crude Oil
CL
WTI Crude Oil
102.00
-0.78-0.76%
Natural Gas
NG
Natural Gas
2.95
-0.08-2.64%
Bitcoin
BTCUSDT
Bitcoin
78,109.75
+117.86+0.15%

Market data as of Oct 29, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET.

Key Financial Reports

Earnings reports showed a strong performance from several companies. Eli Lilly (LLY) reported $7.48, highlighting significant quarterly revenue growth and raising its full-year guidance, reflecting broad product strength. Mastercard (MA) also posted $5.31, driven by double-digit revenue growth and healthy payment volumes. This solid performance in healthcare and financial sectors signals resilience amid tech sector pressures.

Earnings Per Share (EPS)

Detailed View →
Amazon.com, Inc.
AMZN
Amazon.com, Inc.
Actual
1.89
Estimate
-
Surprise
-
Previous
-
Eli Lilly and Company
LLY
Eli Lilly and Company
Actual
7.48
Estimate
-
Surprise
-
Previous
-
Mastercard Incorporated
MA
Mastercard Incorporated
Actual
5.31
Estimate
-
Surprise
-
Previous
-
Merck & Co., Inc.
MRK
Merck & Co., Inc.
Actual
2.49
Estimate
-
Surprise
-
Previous
-
Caterpillar Inc.
CAT
Caterpillar Inc.
Actual
7.20
Estimate
-
Surprise
-
Previous
-

EPS reported on October 29, 2026 ET. Figures use each company's reported basis.

Key Macroeconomic Reports

The U.S. economy is showing resilience with strong growth. GDP advanced at an annualized rate of 3.4%, driven by a 0.5% rise in personal spending. However, core PCE inflation remains concerning at 3.1% year-over-year, indicating persistent price pressures. As growth continues alongside inflation, the Federal Reserve may face challenges in shaping future monetary policy.

Macroeconomic Data

Detailed View →
US
GDP Growth Rate QoQ Adv
08:30
Actual
3.40
Forecast
3.20
Previous
2.20
US
Annualized GDP
08:30
Actual
3.40
Forecast
3.20
Previous
2.20
US
Personal Income MoM
08:30
Actual
0.20
Forecast
0.30
Previous
0.30
US
Core PCE Price Index (YoY)
08:30
Actual
3.10
Forecast
3.10
Previous
3.00
US
Personal Spending MoM
08:30
Actual
0.50
Forecast
0.60
Previous
0.90

Macroeconomic data released on October 29, 2026 ET.

Top Stories

A quick look at the five stories that shaped today's market sentiment. Explained with brief context highlighting why each story mattered today.

DoorDash to Buy Instacart for $17 Billion, Uniting 2 Delivery Giants

DoorDash has announced its plan to acquire Instacart for $17 billion. This merger will bring together the largest restaurant delivery service in the United States with the biggest online grocery platform. The deal aims to enhance the capabilities of both companies in the competitive delivery market. The combination is expected to create a more comprehensive service for consumers looking for food and grocery delivery options.

Source: NYT — DealBook

Economy grows at fastest pace in a year, GDP shows — and shows little sign of slowing

The U.S. economy has reported its fastest growth rate in a year, driven by a surge in artificial intelligence and robust spending from wealthier Americans. This growth indicates a strong economic performance, suggesting resilience despite potential challenges. Analysts are observing this trend closely, as it may signal ongoing momentum in the economy. The data reflects a positive outlook for the near future, with little indication of a slowdown.

Source: MarketWatch — Top Stories

U.S. GDP Increased 3.4% in Third Quarter

The U.S. GDP increased by 3.4 percent in the third quarter, marking the fastest growth rate in a year. This growth is attributed to strong consumer spending and overall economic activity. However, this positive economic performance contrasts with the negative perceptions many voters have regarding the economy. The disparity between economic indicators and public sentiment raises questions about the sustainability of this growth.

Source: NYT — Economy

In Moving Gradually, Fed Risks Having to Play Catch-Up to Quell Inflation

Federal Reserve officials are anticipated to resume interest rate increases in December as part of their strategy to manage inflation. The pace of these additional rate hikes will be contingent on forthcoming economic data. This gradual approach may pose risks, as the Fed could find itself needing to catch up if inflation pressures escalate. The central bank is closely monitoring the economic landscape to inform its decisions.

Source: NYT — Economy

Why Alphabet’s stock is on track for its worst day ever after the latest results

Alphabet's stock is on track for its worst day ever following disappointing financial results. Despite a doubling of cloud revenue, investor confidence has waned due to concerns that advancements in artificial intelligence may hurt the company's search revenue. This situation highlights the challenges Alphabet faces in balancing growth in new areas while maintaining profitability. The market reaction underscores the volatility surrounding tech stocks amid changing investor expectations.

Source: MarketWatch — Top Stories

Other Headlines

MarketWatch — Top StoriesOct 29, 2026

Inflation surges, PCE shows. Fed pause on rate hikes unlikely to last with prices still rising.

The Guardian — US BusinessOct 29, 2026

DoorDash to buy Instacart for $17bn in major grocery delivery consolidation

CNBC — EconomyOct 29, 2026

Third-quarter U.S. GDP increases a better-than-expected 3.4% as September inflation accelerates

NYT — BusinessOct 29, 2026

Christine Lagarde to Step Down as President of European Central Bank

MarketWatch — Top StoriesOct 29, 2026

ServiceNow’s stock is on track for its worst day ever. Here’s what went wrong.

The Guardian — US BusinessOct 29, 2026

Europe’s central bank chief, Christine Lagarde, steps down for ‘freedom of speech’

CNBC — EconomyOct 29, 2026

European Central Bank keeps key interest rate on hold at 2.5%

NYT — BusinessOct 29, 2026

Volkswagen ‘Must Act Quickly’ After Largest Loss in Over a Decade

NYT — EconomyOct 29, 2026

Inflation Accelerated in October, PCE Index Shows

NYT — DealBookOct 29, 2026

Its Investors Say Kalshi Is Worth $40 Billion. Is an I.P.O. Next?

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