S&P 500 Mixed as Dollar General Surges on Strong Earnings, Intel Slumps
Discount retailer Dollar General (DG) soared 14% on Thursday after exceeding quarterly earnings expectations and raising its full-year forecast. Bargain-seeking shoppers across income groups drove demand, reinforcing the company's value proposition in a tightening economic climate.
Intel shares retreated amid reports the chipmaker WOULD retain its networking and communications unit, disappointing investors anticipating divestiture. The semiconductor sector's pullback contrasts with recent highs as market sentiment grows cautious ahead of Friday's pivotal inflation data.
Major indices remained flat with the S&P 500 edging up 0.1% and the Nasdaq gaining 0.2%, while the Dow dipped slightly. Markets appear to be holding their breath before the Federal Reserve's next interest rate decision, with inflation metrics likely to dictate policy direction.
