Stocks Show Varied Performance Ahead of Fed Chair Powell's Remarks

Market Overview: The S&P 500 is down slightly while the Dow Jones reached a new all-time high; mixed performance is noted across major indexes, with weakness in tech stocks impacting overall market sentiment ahead of Fed Chair Powell's comments.

Gold and Interest Rates: Gold prices hit a new all-time high due to geopolitical risks and dovish central bank policies, while U.S. Treasury yields fell following comments from Fed officials about the need for potential rate cuts amid a weakening labor market.

Corporate Earnings Expectations: Over 22% of S&P 500 companies are expected to exceed Q3 earnings forecasts, indicating a positive outlook for corporate earnings growth, which is projected at 6.9%.

Global Market Movements: Overseas markets are mixed, with the Euro Stoxx 50 up and China's Shanghai Composite down; U.S. stock movers include declines in major tech stocks and gains in energy producers, reflecting sector-specific trends.