U.S. stocks fell from record highs on Friday as rate cut euphoria faded, with FedEx (FDX) earnings providing a dose of reality.
The S&P 500 (^GSPC) fell about 0.3%, after the benchmark index closed at a record high. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI) traded flat after setting its own record close. Leading the decline were contracts on the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC), which fell 0.3%.
Stocks rose Thursday as investors welcomed Chairman Jerome Powell's message that the Federal Reserve made a big interest rate cut to support the economy, not save it, a sentiment reinforced by jobless claims data.
That roaring rally is now stalling amid reminders that risks to growth could still exist. Wall Street is still wondering whether the Fed has fallen behind in its task of keeping the economy on track for a “soft landing.” Traders are pricing in deeper cuts this year than policymakers project, according to federal funds futures.
Read more: What the Fed's rate cut means for bank accounts, CDs, loans and credit cards
Moreover, according to a senior Bank of America strategist, Michael Hartnett, the Fed-fueled optimism is fuelling the risk of a bubble. Stocks are pricing in levels of monetary policy easing and earnings growth that are pushing investors to seek profits.
FedEx posted a sharp drop in profit in after-hours trading on Thursday, missing Wall Street estimates. The delivery company, a bellwether for the economy, saw its shares fall as much as 14% in early trading.
Elsewhere, Nike (NKE) shares rose after the sportswear maker named a new chief executive as its sales come under pressure.
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