Stock Market Update

[BRIEFING.COM] The major averages continue to steadily climb higher as sector strength improves, with the DJIA (-0.2%) now just beneath its baseline. The S&P 500 (-0.5%) and Nasdaq Composite (-1.0%) trail but have eliminated around half of their opening losses. 

Seven S&P 500 sectors now trade in positive territory, led by the consumer staples (+0.9%) sector.

While the sector has outperformed as of recent on days when more growth-oriented sectors lag, it is additionally supported by a headline catalyst involving its largest component, Walmart (WMT 105.17, +3.05, +2.99%). The company has announced a partnership with OpenAI to create the first AI shopping experience, allowing users to shop the store using ChatGPT through Instant Checkout.