Tech stocks led the upside as the market turned higher Tuesday, as the Senate holds confirmation hearings for Jerome Powell’s expected second term as Fed chief.
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The Nasdaq rallied 1.2%, the S&P 500 climbed 0.4% and the Dow Jones industrials edged slightly higher in the stock market today. Small caps tracked by the Russell 2000 advanced 0.4%. Volume was lower on both major exchanges vs. the same time Monday.
Energy, consumer discretionary and technology saw the biggest gains among the 11 S&P sectors. Utilities, real estate and consumer staples were the biggest losers.
All eyes are on Powell, as the Fed begins to tighten monetary policy.
“We know that high inflation exacts a toll, particularly for those less able to meet the higher costs of essentials such as food, housing and transportation,” Powell said in prepared remarks ahead of the hearing.
Among exchange traded funds on Tuesday, Innovator IBD 50 (FFTY) rose 0.6% but remains well below its 200-day moving average. But the iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (IWF) climbed 0.2% and Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ) added 0.5%.
The U.S. economy has been struggling to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic, which triggered nationwide lockdowns more than a year and a half ago. A resurgence in cases fueled by the more contagious delta variant had been slowing as vaccinations rise.
U.S. Stock Market Today Overview |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Index | Symbol | Price | Gain/Loss | % Change |
| Dow Jones | (0DJIA) | 36071.99 | +3.12 | +0.01 |
| S&P 500 | (0S&P5) | 4689.39 | +19.10 | +0.41 |
| Nasdaq | (0NDQC ) | 15115.76 | +172.93 | +1.16 |
| Russell 2000 | (IWM) | 216.22 | +0.90 | +0.42 |
| IBD 50 | (FFTY) | 41.95 | +0.24 | +0.58 |
| Last Update: 11:56 AM ET 1/11/2022 | ||||
But the new omicron coronavirus variant is now spreading rapidly in the U.S. Currently available vaccinations and boosters may offer some protection against severe illness from the highly transmissible virus.
Globally, Covid-19 cases have topped 311.5 million, with nearly 6 million deaths, according to Worldometer. In the U.S., cases are approaching 63 million with more than 861,000 deaths.
Growth Stocks To Watch
Rivian Automotive (RIVN) reversed from an early skid to a 5% gain. It’s on track to end a six-session losing streak. Late Monday, the automaker said it produced 1,015 vehicles in 2021, missing its target for 1,200 vehicles. Also on Monday, The Wall Street Journal reported the EV maker’s chief operating officer left the company. A Rivian spokesperson called it a planned retirement.
Tesla (TSLA) rose 1.1% in turnover faster than usual, on pace to rise a second day in a row after a four-day losing streak last week. Early Tuesday, shares fell nearly 1%. However, the China Passenger Car Association said Tesla sold 70,847 electric vehicles in China in December, a 34% rise month over month.
Last week, the EV leader gave up its key 50-day moving average line and triggered the 7%-8% loss-cutting sell rule from a 1,119.10 trend line buy point. It’s now trying to retake the line.
Lucid Motors (LCID) revved 6% higher Tuesday to regain its 50-day line. LCID stock is still extended past a 28.49 buy point of a cup-with-handle base, but its huge earlier gains have dwindled.
Dow Jones Movers
Salesforce.com (CRM) led the blue chip index with a 2.2% gain as it rebounds from near six-month lows. Shares, now about 25% off their 52-week high, have been stuck in a downtrend since mid-November.
Other Dow winners included Boeing (BA), which lifted 2%, and Apple (AAPL) and Chevron (CVX), up about 1% each.
Apple advanced 1.1% to regain its 21-day exponential moving average. It’s trying for a third straight advance. Shares remain about 14% extended from a 153.27 buy point of a cup-with-handle base, according to IBD MarketSmith chart analysis. The stock nearly hit the 20%-25% profit-taking level before retreating.
IBM (IBM) dropped more than 3% in heavy trade to gap down below its 21-day exponential moving average. UBS downgraded the tech services giant to sell from neutral. The stock is working on a double bottom with a 146.10 buy point, but its relative strength line is weak.
Among other Dow losers, Merck (MRK), Procter & Gamble (PG) and Travelers (TRV) were down about 2% each.
Follow Nancy Gondo on Twitter at @IBD_NGondo
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