Stock Market Update

[BRIEFING.COM] The major averages hold modest gains on a day that has seen bifurcated sector strength and breadth figures that favor advancers by a greater than 2-to-1 ratio on both exchanges.

Shares of United Airlines (UAL 91.58, +3.11, +3.5%) are trading higher today after the company reported mixed Q2 results, as EPS surpassed expectations while revenue narrowly missed estimates, reflecting strong cost control and operational efficiencies in the face of significant disruptions at Newark International Airport—a major hub for UAL.

The company also issued FY25 EPS guidance of $9.00–$11.00, aligning with consensus expectations but notably removing the recessionary-case guidance provided in 1Q25, signaling increased confidence in the macroeconomic environment. The company highlighted a robust demand recovery starting in July, with a 6-point acceleration in overall demand and a double-digit surge in business travel demand compared to Q2, suggesting a positive momentum shift heading into Q3.

Delta Air Lines (DAL 56.03, +0.47, +0.9%) set a high bar for airlines last week with a strong Q2 earnings report, beating both EPS and revenue expectations while restoring its FY25 guidance, reflecting operational resilience and robust demand.