### Major Index Performance
- **S&P 500**: Up 0.1% in early trading, just above its all-time closing high set last month. It closed at around 6114 on the previous Friday and is nearing the all-time high of 6118.71[1][3].
- **Dow Jones Industrial Average**: Down 59 points, or 0.2%, as of 9:35 a.m. Eastern time[1].
- **NASDAQ Composite**: Up 0.3%[1].
### Key Factors Driving Today's Market Direction
- Stronger-than-expected profit from Entergy, which jumped 4.3%, helped offset market declines[1].
- Conagra's 6.6% drop due to lowered profit forecasts and supply issues affecting its frozen meals and vegetables product lines[1].
- Solid U.S. economic data, including lower-than-expected unemployment benefits applications, supporting the market near record highs[3].
### Notable Sector Performance
- **Top Gainers**: Utilities and Energy sectors saw gains, though specific daily numbers are not available. Entergy's strong performance is a notable highlight in the Utilities sector[1][4].
- **Decliners**: Consumer Staples sector, particularly Conagra, due to supply issues and lowered forecasts[1].
### Market Highlights
- **Most Actively Traded Stocks**: Entergy and Conagra were among the most actively traded due to their respective earnings reports[1].
- **Biggest Percentage Gainers and Losers**: Entergy up 4.3%, Conagra down 6.6%[1].
- **Significant Market-Moving News Events**: Stronger profit from Entergy and supply issues affecting Conagra's forecasts[1].
### Technical Analysis
- **Current Market Trend**: Bullish indicators prevail with the S&P 500 closing above all moving averages and near its all-time high. The 21-day, 50-day, 100-day, and 200-day moving averages are all rising[2].
- **Key Support and Resistance Levels**:
- S&P 500: Resistance levels at 6125, 6100, and 6090; support levels at 5990, 5970, and 5950[2].
- **Trading Volume Analysis**: No significant changes in trading volume noted, but the market is expected to see higher closes despite morning weakness[2].
- **VIX Movement and Implications**: The VIX is not explicitly mentioned, but the overall bullish indicators suggest a stable or decreasing VIX, indicating lower volatility[2].
### Forward-Looking Elements
- **Pre-market Futures Indication**: U.S. stock index futures edged higher in light trading on Monday night, indicating a cautious but positive sentiment[5].
- **Key Events to Watch for Tomorrow**:
- Empire State manufacturing survey expected to rise to -1.0 from -12.6[2].
- Home builder confidence index expected to dip slightly to 46 from 47[2].
- **Important Upcoming Earnings Releases**: No specific releases mentioned for the immediate future, but the market is closely watching corporate reports for continued strength[4].
- **Potential Market Catalysts**: Economic data releases, particularly the Empire State manufacturing survey and home builder confidence index, and any updates on inflation and job market conditions[2][3].
