Here are the main market moves of today:
Dow Jones Industrial Average (DIA): +0.915 or 237.45 points
NASDAQ (QQQ): +1.31% or 102.72 points
S&P 500: (SPY): +1.08% or 31.51 points
The Federal Reserve published what is commonly known as the Beige Book today, which is a report that is produced eight times per year and comments on the current economic conditions of the U.S. Based on the report's findings, the U.S. economy has grown at a modest pace with the labor market remaining very tight. Manufacturing activity was steady, with trade and distribution activity mixed. The Beige book also found that most sectors saw steady to modest growing activity. This report is great news following the uncertainty that the stock market experienced during the highs and lows of August.
In global stock market news, Hong Kong stocks have surged upward today following Hong Kong leader Carrie Liam's decision to withdraw the extradition bill. This bill in particular allowed for fugitives to be transferred to mainland China and sparked months of protests spanning summer 2019 that mostly targeted Hong Kong's airports. Following the withdrawal of the bill, the Hang Seng market index closed 4% higher. Investors are hoping that the release from tensions, both politically and economically, Hong Kong and China are experiencing will stimulate the global economy.
In Brexit news, lawmakers have voted to seize control over the parliamentary agenda. Their plan is to push through a bill that would block Prime Minister Boris Johnson from allowing a no-deal Brexit. As the deadline of October 31 looms closer, lawmakers in the UK fear the consequences of a "no-deal" passing and are trying to force Johnson's hand to request an extension until January 2020 if he is unable to reach a deal before the deadline.
In stock news, Walmart (NYSE: WMT) and Kroger (NYSE:KR) have separately announced this week that they respectfully ask their customers not to carry guns in their stores unless they are law enforcement. Walmart has also announced that will stop selling two different kinds of rifle ammunition and all handgun ammunition. This follows the deadly shootings in El Paso, Texas, as well as Dayton, Ohio and other parts of Texas.
Dan Bartlett, Walmart executive Vice President of Corporate Affairs stated: "we feel like we are striking a responsible balance between the interests of law-abiding citizens who are exercising their legal rights and the safety concerns of our associates and customers." Walmart currently holds about 20% of the total ammunition market share, with this move bring that share to no more than 10%.
Tomorrow's update will follow more global stock responses to the activity in China and Hong Kong, as well as the growing impact of the trade war between China and the U.S.