US Stocks Mixed Amidst Economic Uncertainty and Policy Debates

US equity markets exhibited mixed performance on Tuesday, the first trading day of a week shortened by the Presidents Day holiday. Key market indices displayed varying results as investors grappled with potential policy actions by the Federal Reserve and President Donald Trump.

Major Indices

* The benchmark S&P 500 (^GSPC) climbed nearly 0.2% to a fresh record closing high of 6,129.58, with the bulk of gains occurring in the final 10 minutes of trading.
* The Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI) and Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC) eked out slight gains, finishing minimally positive.

Market Sentiment and Economic Factors

* Stock market sentiment remained cautious following the Presidents Day holiday, as investors debated the trajectory of interest rates.
* Fed officials emphasized the need for interest rate stability to combat rising inflation.
* Treasury yields increased amid uncertainty over the potential for rate cuts this year, given recent economic data that failed to provide clear guidance.

Fed Minutes and US-Russia Talks

* Investors eagerly awaited the release of minutes from the Fed's January meeting on Wednesday, seeking additional insights into policymakers' discussions amid Trump's tariffs.
* The ongoing US-Russia negotiations aimed at ending the Ukraine conflict also influenced market sentiment.

Earnings Season and Individual Movers

* Earnings season continued with reports from numerous S&P 500 companies due this week.
* Baidu's (BIDU) revenue decline signaled potential challenges for China's tech sector.
* Intel (INTC) emerged as a notable gainer, surging approximately 16% on rumors of potential deals involving its split.

Other Market News

* Meta's (META) stock declined, threatening its 20-session winning streak.
* Nike (NKE) shares rose over 5% after announcing a partnership with SKIMS.
* Elon Musk's investigation into Social Security data raised concerns about the impact on its stability.
* The strength of the US dollar continued to weigh on Big Tech companies.
* Homebuilder confidence declined, reaching its lowest level in five months.
* Chip stocks, led by Intel and Nvidia, powered a rally in the tech sector.
* European stocks remained steady as the US and Russia initiated peace talks.
* A global trade war was identified as the top risk to markets, according to Bank of America's latest survey.