Stock Market Summary – July 29, 2025

In recent financial news, artificial intelligence startup Anthropic is negotiating to raise between $3 billion and $5 billion in a funding round led by Iconiq Capital, which would value the company at $170 billion. Meanwhile, shares in Novo Nordisk plummeted over 20% after the company cut its full-year guidance and announced a new CEO. Starbucks is set to report earnings after market close. Deteriorating conditions at UnitedHealth led to a share drop of around 1.5%, while a cost-cutting initiative at Merck resulted in a 4% share price decline. On the upside, shares in Boeing rose nearly 1% after the company reported better-than-expected revenues and significant cuts to quarterly losses. Additionally, Procter & Gamble saw an almost 2% increase in shares after beating quarterly earnings and revenue expectations.

The newly minted “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” is expected to considerably benefit big tech firms including Amazon, Apple, Meta Platforms, and Microsoft by restoring three tax provisions and significantly boosting free cash flow (FCF). As such, these tech companies are predicted to see amplified FCF this year. Meanwhile, cybersecurity provider Palo Alto Networks is reportedly in talks to purchase identity management software maker CyberArk for more than $20 billion. In retail, Gucci-owner Kering reported a worse-than-anticipated second quarter, with a 15% year-on-year drop and a staggering 25% plunge in Gucci sales.

The market is closely following these developments and reactions, along with effects from the resumption of US-China trade talks and the acquisition talks between Union Pacific and smaller rival Norfolk Southern. Also, shares in Amazon have had their price target raised by Wells Fargo. However, investors are urged to continue prioritizing companies’ fundamental drivers of cash flow generation despite the potential cash flow boost offered by recent tax treatment changes.

The stock market witnessed significant moves with companies like Carrier, Johnson Controls, Chart Industries, and Sarepta Therapeutics. Carrier Global, an air conditioner manufacturer, slid 10% due to projected to decline in sales in the second half. Johnson Controls and Stanley Black & Decker dropped 7% and 8% respectively due to lukewarm forward financial guidance and lower than expected second-quarter revenue.

S&P 500 reached its sixth straight all-time high despite remaining muted due to the announced U.S.-E.U trade deal. President Donald Trump stated that countries without deals with the U.S. will face baseline tariffs of 15% to 20%.

The day marked several losses, with Royal Caribbean shares sinking nearly 5%, Spotify shares tumbling 10% and United Parcel Service shares sinking 10%. Meanwhile, shares of Chart Industries surged 16% post-acquisition by Baker Hughes. Sarepta Therapeutics shares witnessed a significant rise of 24% following positive news from the U.S. FDA, and Amkor Technology shares soared 17% after better than expected second-quarter earnings.

On the other hand, UnitedHealth Group’s shares were down 6% following disappointing 2025 outlook. Whirlpool dropped 10% after missing the second-quarter estimates. FedEx funds future predict over 97% chance of the central bank keeping rates unchanged for the week’s meeting. Merck released plans to cut costs by $3 billion.

In international stock news, Danish pharmaceutical giant, Novo Nordisk, saw its shares tumble 20% after slashing its full-year sales and profit forecasts. Shares for Boeing rose over 1% despite an adjusted loss in the second quarter. At the same time, stocks under pressure include Stellantis and Nucor, both reporting a fall due to disappointing financial performances and forecasts.

In summary, the stock market experienced mixed performances with several companies either soaring or tumbling due to fluctuating earnings, acquisitions, guidance, and various market pressures.