The S&P 500 closed above 5,500 for the first time, driven by a rally in the consumer discretionary sector and strong economic data. Concerns over the narrow leadership of the rally and the timing of the Federal Reserve's rate cuts are weighing on investors.
Paramount Global shares increased by nearly 7% in extended trading following reports of a preliminary agreement between Skydance Media and National Amusements, the entertainment giant's controlling shareholder.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell acknowledged that inflation has been higher than expected but emphasized the need for patience, allowing restrictive policy to continue its work. While he expects inflation to come down, there are no plans for rate hikes, and the focus is on maintaining the current policy rate.