The markets fell today as investors focused once again on the 10-year treasury note, earnings, and weak news out of China. The Dow 30 was lower by 192, the S&P 500 sold off 18, and the Nasdaq 100 closed down on the day by 59.
China announced investment and retail sales for April, which came in below expectations. They also announced a drop in home sales, which concerned global investors about their economic outlook.
The 10-year Treasury note rose sharply today, hitting new highs of 3.09%. Prices hit their lowest levels since 2011, causing many investors to move out of stocks. This move in yield has an impact on investors because it is used as a measure of future mortgage rates, among other things.
In other news, the Commerce Department reported that retail sales increased by 0.3% in April, further cementing investor expectations that the Federal Reserve will raise rates three times this year.
In one of the day's strongest earning headlines, Home Depot (NYSE: HD) shares sold off 1.60%. The retail chain reported earnings that were better than expected, but sales came in lower. The company blamed this on an unusually "slow start" to spring sales, which historically have been strong. While many expected customers to be buying grills, gardening supplies, and lawn furniture, the company reported overall transactions lower by 1.3% during the quarter thanks to a "long winter." Shares of rival Lowe's (NYSE: LOW) were lower by 0.99% on the day following the news.
Gap (NYSE: GPS) was higher by 2.60% today following an upgrade to outperform from Telsey Advisory Group citing good valuation levels. The analyst noted that they thought "promotional pressures in the industry are already reflected in Gap's current prices." Shares have been sliding lower all year long.
In other news, Gold (NYSE: GLD) fell below $1300 an ounce for the first time since December as the dollar (NYSE: UUP) shot to new highs on the year.