The Dow Jones Industrial Average backed off record highs Monday amid news on the replacement of Walt Disney (DIS) Chief Executive Bob Iger. Boeing (BA) moved higher on word of a potential strike deal. And Humana (HUM) and Cigna (CI) had contrasting fortunes amid reports of merger talks on the stock market today.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped in early action after making a record close Friday. It fell more than 150 points, which equates to a dip of 0.4%. Outside of Boeing, UnitedHealth (UNH) fared best with a gain of more than 1%. American Express (AXP) lagged with a near-2% decline.
↑ XThe Nasdaq composite switched gears and turned meager gains into a 0.3% drop. Marvell Technology (MRVL) outperformed with an increase of more than 2%. Nvidia (NVDA) also shined as it climbed nearly 2%.
The benchmark S&P 500 also lost 0.3%, and looked to build on last week's record close. Kenvue (KVUE) was a top performer as it jumped more than 7% on news Starboard Value has taken a stake in the firm. Monolithic Power Systems (MPWR) lagged with a skid of nearly 5%.
The S&P 500 sectors were mostly negative. Only technology, utilities and energy moved higher while real estate and health care lagged.
Small caps also fell behind, with the Russell 2000 falling 1%. Growth stocks dug in, with the Innovator IBD 50 (FFTY) exchange traded fund down fractionally after ceding initial gains.
Disney stock slipped marginally on the stock market today amid news the firm is making progress in its quest to replace current CEO Bob Iger. The firm has said it is shooting to have a new replacement for Iger in place in "early 2026."
It comes as the Dow Jones component announced Morgan Stanley Executive Chairman James P. Gorman will be taking over as Disney's chairman on Jan. 2. Gorman, who had already been chairing the Disney Board's Succession Planning Committee, will succeed incumbent Mark G. Parker.
"A critical priority before us is to appoint a new CEO, which we now expect to announce in early 2026," Gorman said in a media release. "This timing reflects the progress the Succession Planning Committee and the Board are making, and will allow ample time for a successful transition before the conclusion of Bob Iger's contract in December 2026."
Iger returned to the CEO role in November 2022 following the dismissal of his previous successor Bob Chapek, whose performance had disappointed investors.
Walt Disney stock was slightly lower, skidding 0.4%. It is above its 50-day line, but below the 200-day moving average. It lags the benchmark S&P 500 for 2024 despite a year-to-date lift of more than 7%.
Boeing stock took flight in early action Monday as the aerospace giant and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers came to terms on a potential new contract. If it is approved by workers it would bring a crippling monthlong strike to an end.
A vote on the proposal is expected Wednesday. Under the terms of the deal, workers get a 35% wage increase over the four-year span of the contract.
Standard & Poor's has estimated that Boeing is losing $1 billion a month due to the strike.
Boeing stock rallied nearly 4% and is now trying to retake its critical 50-day moving average, according to MarketSurge analysis.
Health insurance plays Cigna and Humana had contrasting fortunes after Bloomberg reported the companies have restarted merger talks. According to Mizuho analyst Ann Hynes it is likely that Cigna will attempt to get the buyout of Humana over the line.
She said that the deal is reliant on the outcome of the forthcoming presidential election, and that she believes "the likelihood is high."
Humana stock ticked higher in early trade on the stock market today. In contrast, Cigna stock gapped lower, falling 4%.
It lost ground on the 200-day moving average after falling below the technical benchmark Friday, MarketSurge analysis shows.
Finally, financial software stock Alkami Technology (ALKT) is in the actionable zone above a flat-base buy point of 36, according to MarketSurge analysis. Shares surged nearly 6% Monday.
One negative here is this is a fifth-stage base. Such later stage patterns are less likely to succeed, IBD research finds. However, the relative strength line is gaining traction.
The stock is an excellent all-around performer, with its IBD Composite Rating a near-ideal 98 out of 99.
Earnings growth has been strong of late, earning it an Earnings Per Share Rating of 80. This makes it of interest to those following the IBD investing methodology.
Wall Street expects earnings to soar 120% in 2025, according to MarketSurge data. It also resides in the top 8% of issues in terms of price performance over the prior 12 months.
Please follow Michael Larkin on X at @IBD_MLarkin for more analysis of growth stocks.
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