Stock Market Update

[BRIEFING.COM] The major averages continue to trade lower across the board, though a solid gain in the top-weighted information technology sector (+0.7%) limits the damage at the index level. 

Meanwhile, the consumer staples sector (-2.0%) is sharply lower today, facing broad pressure and weak leadership from its largest components. 

Walmart (WMT 122.64, -5.17, -4.05%) was downgraded to Hold from Buy at Erste Group, while Costco (COST 984.36, -22.38, -2.22%) trades lower ahead of its earnings release this afternoon. 

Despite the broader weakness, Kroger (KR 70.01, +2.02, +2.97%) is a standout after beating Q4 EPS expectations and issuing in-line EPS guidance for FY27.