S&P 500 Achieves Third Consecutive Record Close Amid Mixed Market Performance

The S&P 500 closed at a new record high on Thursday, marking its third consecutive day of gains. The index edged up by less than 0.1% to reach 6,467.32. In contrast, the Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped slightly by 11 points, and the Nasdaq Composite declined marginally from its record high.

Market movements were influenced by the latest producer price index (PPI) data, which indicated a 3.3% annual increase—higher than the anticipated 2.5%. This unexpected rise in wholesale inflation tempered investor optimism and led to a reassessment of potential Federal Reserve interest rate cuts.

In corporate developments, UnitedHealth Group's stock surged over 9% following announcements that Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway and Michael Burry's Scion Asset Management had acquired positions in the insurer. Berkshire Hathaway disclosed a $1.57 billion investment, acquiring 5.04 million shares as of June 30, 2025.

Additionally, Intel Corporation's shares rose more than 3% after reports emerged that the Trump administration is in discussions to have the U.S. government take a stake in the company.

Investors are now turning their attention to upcoming economic data releases, including import prices, consumer sentiment, and retail sales, to gauge the economy's trajectory and inform future investment decisions.