The Dow rebounded from back-to-back down sessions, climbing 0.3% on Wednesday, Jan. 31, to end trading at 26,149. Credit much of the gain to the strong performance of Boeing (BA), which jumped 5% to $354.41 a share. As the highest-priced component of the industrial average by far, the aerospace giant holds the biggest sway in the price-weighted Dow.
What Happened in the Stock Market Today?
The stock market survived a midafternoon swoon when the Fed, as expected, concluded its two-day meeting without raising short-term interest rates. However, inflation is a growing concern and at least three rate hikes are on the horizon in 2018 as Jerome Powell prepares to take over from outgoing Fed chief Janet Yellen. Investors increasingly have been fretting over the potential impact of rising rates on stocks.
Getting back to Boeing: The company is one of several big names on the earnings calendar this week, and its fourth-quarter numbers didn't disappoint. Sales and profits beat expectations, and management issued an upbeat financial outlook for 2018. But Boeing's value lies not only in its impressive share-price appreciation, but also in its ability to generate income for investors. The combination of growth and income makes it one of the best stocks in the Dow today.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
-
Procter & Gamble Stock Rises on Earnings Beat: What to KnowProcter & Gamble is trading near the top of the Dow Wednesday after the consumer staples giant beat expectations for its fiscal 2025 second quarter.
-
Why GE Vernova Stock Is Higher After Its Earnings MissGE Vernova stock is trading up on Wednesday even after the power company came up short of estimates for its fourth quarter. Here's what investors need to know.
-
Stock Market Today: Dow Dives 729 Points but Bounces BackInvestors can still hope for a Santa Claus rally over the next three trading days.
-
Fed Sees Fewer Rate Cuts in 2025: What the Experts Are SayingFederal Reserve The Federal Reserve cut interest rates as expected, but the future path of borrowing costs became more opaque.
-
Why Is Warren Buffett Selling So Much Stock?Berkshire Hathaway is dumping equities, hoarding cash and making market participants nervous.
-
Fed Cuts Rates Again: What the Experts Are Saying
Federal Reserve The central bank continued to ease, but a new administration in Washington clouds the outlook for future policy moves.
-
If You'd Put $1,000 Into Google Stock 20 Years Ago, Here's What You'd Have TodayGoogle parent Alphabet has been a market-beating machine for ages.
-
Stock Market Today: Stocks Pause but Nvidia Hits New All-Time HighsThe major equity indexes were mostly mixed on Monday, but Nvidia hit yet another new all-time high.
-
Stock Market Today: UnitedHealth Selloff Drags on DowWhile the main indexes ended in the red, Walgreens Boots Alliance had its best day since 2008.
-
Boeing Looks to Raise Up to $25 Billion as Cash Woes SwirlBoeing stock is higher Tuesday after the aerospace giant filed to raise as much as $25 billion and entered a credit agreement worth $10 billion.
