"Stocks Rise on Earnings Support, Biden Blocks US Steel Acquisition, and Tech Giants Lead Market Surge"

Stocks edged higher as corporate earnings provided support, with the S&P 500 aiming to break a four-day losing streak. Small caps outperformed, while airline stocks continued their upward momentum. Tesla sank to its lowest close since January 2023 following a downgrade from Deutsche Bank. The Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Index posted a sharp upside surprise, while existing home sales disappointed. Commodities rebounded, with copper and gold showing strength, and natural gas prices rallying. Bitcoin also rebounded ahead of the highly anticipated halving event. Notable stock movers included Discovery Financial Services, Genuine Parts Company, Alaska Air Group, and others reacting to earnings reports.