Headline: Wall Street Slips as Midday Bounce Fades; Dollar Mixed, Yields Edge Lower
A shaky risk tone capped a volatile session on Tuesday, with US stocks closing lower after an early rebound lost momentum. Investors weighed softer Treasury yields, a mixed US dollar, and resilient commodities while looking ahead to key economic data and corporate earnings.
US equities fell for the second straight session and the fourth time in five days, with the S&P 500 down 0.83%, the Nasdaq off 1.21%, and the Dow lower by 1.07%. Nvidia declined 2.81% ahead of its earnings report, keeping megacap tech in focus. Bond markets offered a modest cushion as yields eased, with the 2-year and 10-year slipping to 3.578% and 4.117% respectively. The US dollar finished the day mixed against major currencies; USD/CAD weakened after breaking below its 61.8% retracement to test a key ceiling-turned-floor, while broader European FX trading reflected a cautious risk backdrop.
On the data front, the ADP weekly US employment 4‑week average improved to -2.5k from -11.25k, still negative but stabilizing. August factory orders rose 1.4% in line with expectations, and the NAHB November Housing Market Index ticked up to 38 from 37. Richmond Fed President Thomas Barkin flagged conflicting signals across inflation and employment, noting the central bank needs clearer readings before aligning on next steps, including any potential December rate move. The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Producer Price Index is due November 25. In the UK, reports suggest Chancellor Rachel Reeves may seek to shield small businesses from tax increases, while the Bank of England’s Huw Pill said underlying inflation pressures are softer than headline readings imply. Canada’s October housing starts came in at 232.8k, below forecasts.
Commodities and crypto advanced, with crude oil up 1.05% to $60.54, gold rebounding by $23.15, and Bitcoin rising above $90,000 intraday before settling higher. Strategists flagged lingering liquidity risks, with warnings about low cash balances, and one major bank projecting a potential “pain trade” for oil in 2026. In US politics, a new poll put the President’s approval at 38%, the lowest since returning to office. The White House signaled confidence on China’s purchases of US farm goods, and the President suggested he has a frontrunner for the next Federal Reserve chair. Market participants also continued to assess advances in AI tools that could influence trading workflows.
Key Points – US stocks fell for a second day; S&P 500 -0.83%, Nasdaq -1.21%, Dow -1.07% – Treasury yields eased; 2-year at 3.578% and 10-year at 4.117% – Dollar finished mixed; USD/CAD broke below a key 61.8% retracement level – US data: factory orders +1.4%; NAHB housing index up to 38; ADP weekly average improved – Fed’s Barkin highlighted conflicting signals and data dependence ahead of December policy meeting – Crude oil, gold, and Bitcoin advanced; PPI due November 25 keeps inflation in focus
