Dow Jones Hits Record High on Strong Earnings from Major US Stocks

The Dow Jones Industrial Average reached a new record high, rising 218 points or 0.5%, driven by strong earnings reports from major companies including 3M, General Motors, and Coca-Cola. These companies exceeded analyst expectations, with GM rallying nearly 15% after raising its forecasts and addressing concerns about electric vehicle adoption and tariffs. While the Dow surged, the broader market showed mixed results, with the S&P 500 remaining mostly flat and the Nasdaq slipping slightly amid declines in Big Tech stocks such as Alphabet, Broadcom, and Nvidia. Warner Bros. Discovery also gained significantly on news of potential strategic changes that could offer better returns to shareholders. Despite ongoing political challenges like a government shutdown, investors focused on solid corporate earnings and prospects for more accommodative Federal Reserve policies. The overall market optimism was tempered by sector-specific weaknesses and cautious views on the pace of economic recovery and trade dynamics.