The Dow Jones Industrial Average broke its longest losing streak in 50 years on Thursday, closing slightly above the flatline, as market participants digested the Federal Reserve's latest policy decision. The S&P 500 Index and Nasdaq Composite, while, fell below the flatline.
Here's how the market settled on Thursday:
S&P 500 Index (NYSE: SPY): -0.09% or -5.08 points to 5,867.08
Dow Jones Industrial Average (NYSE: DIA): +0.04% or +15.37 points to 42,342.24
Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: QQQ): -0.10% or -19.92 points to 19,373.77
In Economic News:
U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew at a faster pace than previous estimated in the third quarter, the Commerce Department's third and final estimate released Thursday showed. The economy expanded at a 3.1% seasonally adjusted annualized rate during the July-through-September period, 0.3 percentage points above the previous estimate and Dow Jones consensus estimate of 2.9% growth.
On the Earnings Front:
Micron Technology (NASDAQ: MU) shares declined Thursday even as the chipmaker reported better-than-expected fiscal first-quarter earnings as its current-quarter guidance disappointed analysts. The company expects second-quarter revenue of $7.9 billion, plus or minus $200 million, with adjusted earnings per share of $1.43, plus or minus $0.10 -- far below analyst estimates for revenue of $8.98 billion and earnings per share of $1.91, according to LSEG data.
"While consumer-oriented markets are weaker in the near term, we anticipate a return to growth in the second half of our fiscal year," said CEO Sanjay Mehrotra in a press release. "We continue to gain share in the highest margin and strategically important parts of the market and are exceptionally well positioned to leverage AI-driven growth to create substantial value for all stakeholders."
Darden Restaurants (NYSE: DRI) shares rose on Thursday as the restaurant conglomerate posted strong fiscal second-quarter earnings, driven by better-than-expected same-store sales growth at its Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse brands. Olive Garden, which accounts for more than 40% of Darden's revenue, saw same-store sales grow by 2% during the quarter, while LongHorn Steakhouse posted same-store sales growth of 7.5%.
"It looks like the consumer is starting to feel a little bit better than they were in prior quarters," CEO Rick Cardenas said during the company's earnings call with analysts.
Darden now expects total sales of $12.1 billion for its fiscal 2025, up from its prior guidance range of $11.8 billion to $11.9 billion. The company also reiterated its nest earnings per share forecast from continuing operations of $9.40 to $9.60.
In the News:
Shares of Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY) rose Thursday after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said the active ingredient --tirzepate -- in its popular weight loss drug Zepbound is no longer in shortage, ending the two year period where compounding pharmacies could make, distribute or dispense unapproved versions of the key ingredient without facing legal repercussions. These pharmacies most halt the production of tirzepatide in the next 60 to 90 days, the agency said.