Bill Mccoll

Key Takeaways Major U.S. indexes surged at midday Wednesday after several big banks reported strong quarterly results and a key measure of inflation came in softer than anticipated. Bank of New York Mellon, BlackRock, and Goldman Sachs were among the financial firms posting better-than-expected earnings.

Key Takeaways Morgan Stanley easily beat fourth-quarter profit and revenue estimates on strong equity trading and IPO activity. Equity net revenue was up 51% year-over-year, and equity underwriting revenue soared about 100%. The news sent shares up to close to their record high set in late November.

Key Takeaways Chemicals and materials producer DuPont on Thursday changed plans to split into three separate businesses. The company said it would retain its Water segment, and expedite the spin-off of its Electronics unit. DuPont's initial plan mirrored similar moves by industrial conglomerates like GE and 3M.

Key Takeaways Stellantis' fourth-quarter shipments slumped as the carmaker reduced the number of vehicles it had in its U.S. inventory. Shipments declined an estimated 28% year-over-year in North America as Stellantis cut U.S. inventory levels by 80,000 units. South America was the only region in which shipments rose from a year earlier.

Key Takeaways Major U.S. indexes were little changed at midday Thursday after Wednesday's big gains powered by strong bank earnings and a softer-than-expected inflation report. Morgan Stanley shares gained after the financial firm topped earnings and revenue estimates. UnitedHealth Group shares slid as the health insurer reported soft revenue from premiums and higher medical payments.

J.B. Hunt Transport Services missed fourth-quarter revenue and profit forecasts as volumes slumped.

Key Takeaways Rivian Automotive shares rose Friday, a day after the electric vehicle maker announced it had finalized a federal loan worth up to $6.6 billion to build a factory in Georgia. The plant—set to be built "less than one hour's drive from downtown Atlanta," Rivian said—will be used to accelerate production of the EV maker's new R2 SUV and R3 crossover. The company expects to begin construction in 2026, with production commencing in 2028.

U.S. equities were higher at midday Friday as positive reports on inflation raised investor optimism for more Federal Reserve rate cuts ahead.

U.S. equities rose at midday on optimism the new tariffs threatened by President Trump won't be as severe as initially believed.

Key Takeaways Interactive Brokerage beat fourth-quarter profit and sales forecasts on strong consumer trading volume. Trading volume in stocks soared 65%, and it rose 32% for options. The brokerage also posted a 47% gain in other fees and services revenue.