U.S. Stocks Trade Flat as Investors Await Netflix Earnings
U.S. stocks moved in a narrow range on Tuesday, pausing after recent gains as investors digested a busy wave of corporate earnings reports and looked ahead to results from Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX) later in the day.
At 09:45 ET (13:45 GMT), the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 50 points (0.1%), the S&P 500 slipped 2 points (0.1%), and the NASDAQ Composite fell 45 points (0.2%).
Wall Street’s main indexes had closed higher on Monday, led by gains in technology and financial stocks, while sentiment improved on hopes that the federal government shutdown could soon come to an end.
Optimism Over Shutdown and Trade Talks
Market sentiment was supported by easing concerns over regional banks and upbeat remarks from the White House suggesting a possible breakthrough in the ongoing shutdown.
White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett told CNBC on Monday that the shutdown is “likely to end this week.” His comments lifted risk appetite, which had been weighed down by political gridlock and delayed economic data.
Meanwhile, optimism over U.S.–China trade relations added to the positive tone. President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping are expected to meet later this month in South Korea, raising hopes of progress in trade discussions.
Netflix Earnings Take the Spotlight
Investors are watching a busy earnings calendar, with Netflix in the spotlight as the streaming giant prepares to report results after the closing bell.
Netflix shares are up over 39% year-to-date, reflecting strong investor confidence in its ad-supported streaming model and long-term growth strategy.
However, attention will also be on whether the company addresses recent controversy following Elon Musk’s calls for users to cancel subscriptions over an animated series.
Elsewhere, Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO) gained after posting better-than-expected Q3 results, even as it described the current market as “challenging.”
RTX Corp (NYSE: RTX) jumped after lifting its full-year outlook, supported by robust missile demand and aftermarket services.
GE Aerospace (NYSE: GE) advanced after raising its 2025 profit forecast, citing strong aircraft maintenance demand amid a shortage of new jets.
Halliburton (NYSE: HAL) also beat expectations, boosted by steady oilfield equipment demand in North America, while Beyond Meat (NASDAQ: BYND) rallied on news it will expand distribution to over 2,000 Walmart stores nationwide.
Additionally, Zions Bancorporation (NASDAQ: ZION) posted stronger-than-expected results late Monday, helping ease investor concerns about the health of U.S. regional banks after last week’s $50 million charge-off disclosure.
Oil Prices Edge Lower
Crude oil prices slipped slightly on Tuesday, remaining near five-month lows amid worries about oversupply and weakening demand.
Brent crude futures were down 0.4% at $60.79 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) fell 0.4% to $56.82 per barrel.
Oil prices hit their lowest since early May on Monday, pressured by fears that ongoing U.S.–China trade tensions could slow global growth and by the International Energy Agency’s forecast for a supply glut in 2026.
