The S&P 500 clocked a four-day losing streak
It was a mostly down week for stocks, with the Dow trading on both sides of the breakeven, and the S&P 500 clocking a four-day losing streak before finally rebounding on Thursday. Anticipation over U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping's meeting at the G-20 summit was steering most of thetrading. Elsewhere, Fed Chair Jerome Powell's decision to take a "patient" approach to interest rate cuts sparked some selling earlier in the week, while impressive earnings results from both Micron (MU) and Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) helped keep buyers near by. To be sure, stocks still closed June with impressive returns.
Stocks Caught in Amazon's Crosshairs
The FAANG name, earlier this week, announced its Amazon Professional Beauty store, which had more traditional retailers, like Sally Beauty (SBH) and Ulta Beauty (ULTA) spiraling. The internet giant rocked Microsoft (MSFT), too, after Jefferies downgraded the Dow component to "sell," saying that the computer concern's Azure business could not hold up to Amazon Web Services. Rite Aid (RAD) had a little more luck contending with the Prime provider, after announcing a partnership that will let customers choose the pharmacy for Amazon pick-up.
Micron Headlines An Earnings-Packed Week
Several companies stepped into the earnings spotlight this week. On Monday, options traders geared up for construction concern Lennar's (LEN) second-quarter earnings, and were met with disappointing results. Hunt's parent Conagra (CAG) missed the mark, too, while Constellation (STZ) had a bit more luck in the earnings ring. MU stock (MU) stole the show, however, after it's impressive report had the rest of the chip sector surging, including Western Digital (WDC).
Retail Stocks That Captured Wall Street's Attention
Several retail and e-tail stocks made big moves this week, including the home goods and furniture concern Wayfair (W) which came under scrutiny for allegedly selling furniture to detention facilities for migrant children in Texas. Elsewhere, Goldman Sachs downgraded Nordstrom (JWN) and Ross Stores (ROST) to "sell" from "neutral," Abercrombie and Fitch (ANF) surged on a strategic partnership with CBD firm Green Growth Brands, and options bulls won big on Walmart's (WMT) recent surge.
Investors Look To Nonfarm Payrolls For Holiday-Shortened Week
Markets will be closed on Thursday for the Fourth of July holiday next week, but there's still plenty of economic activity for traders to digest. High on the docket is Friday's June nonfarm payrolls. Wall Street will also look at inflation data and several Fed presidents will speak. The week is relatively bare on the earnings front, with Acuity Brands (AYI) reporting on Tuesday.