S&P 500: US Stock Indexes Lower at Mid-Session as Tech Weakens, Energy Slides

Indexes Slip Midday as Tech and Energy Weaken; Defensives Gain Ground

Stocks traded lower by mid-session Tuesday, with major indexes under pressure from weakness in technology and energy sectors. The S&P 500 declined 0.34% to 5,943.26, the Nasdaq Composite fell 0.45% to 19,129.01, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.19% to 42,711.57, breaking a six-day winning streak for the broader market.

Which Sectors Are Leading the Decline?

Technology was the day’s laggard, dropping 0.64% to 4,546.58. The sector’s pullback was broad, but Tesla stood out with a 1.41% gain, showing strength despite overall weakness. The EV maker rose on renewed confidence in its leadership and innovation pipeline. Most other tech names saw pressure as traders rotated out of recent winners.

Energy declined 0.41% to 638.14, as names like Chevron lost ground. Chevron shares fell 0.9%, tracking a mild pullback in oil prices and weighing on the broader sector. The drop added to a cautious tone across commodity-sensitive groups.

Financials were down 0.36% to 854.48. Major banks like JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs were mixed, reflecting trader hesitancy around rate-sensitive plays ahead of upcoming Fed commentary.

Real estate dropped 0.46% to 262.72, pressured by rising Treasury yields. REITs like Simon Property Group were under pressure as higher rates continued to challenge valuations and borrowing costs.

Where Is Strength Holding Up?

Defensive sectors outperformed. Utilities rose 0.35% to 419.31, attracting interest for their stability and income potential. Consumer staples also gained 0.35% to 911.60, supported by rotation into steady earners like Coca-Cola and Procter & Gamble.

Healthcare was nearly flat, edging up 0.03% to 1,564.32. UnitedHealth added 0.13%, extending its recovery from recent lows and providing slight support to the sector.

Industrials and materials saw minor losses—down 0.09% and 0.18%, respectively. Stocks like Caterpillar and Dow Inc. hovered near the flatline as traders held off on big moves ahead of key economic readings.

What’s Next for the Afternoon Session?

With indexes stalling, traders are focused on upcoming earnings and Fed cues.

Palo Alto Networks reports after the bell, with expectations for double-digit revenue growth. Toll Brothers is also set to report, offering a read on housing demand.

For now, traders are rotating into defensives and trimming exposure in overheated sectors while watching for the next clear signal.

More Information in our Economic Calendar.