"Stocks Open Lower as Retail Sales Surge; Goldman Sachs, Bank of America, J&J, Lockheed, and More Pre-Market Movers; Bitcoin Price Rises Again"

Stocks opened lower as September retail sales came in hotter than expected, causing bond yields to rise. Earnings season is in full swing, with key players in banking, pharma, defense, and airlines sectors reporting. Confidence among U.S. home builders fell for the third consecutive month in October due to high mortgage costs. Meanwhile, tensions in the Middle East and President Biden's upcoming visit to Israel are being closely watched. Treasury yields are rising, and the 10-year yield matches a 2007 high. Asian markets rose despite concerns over the Middle East conflict, and the Reserve Bank of Australia took a hawkish tone in its latest meeting minutes.