US stocks mixed as Apple slides before earnings announcement

US stock markets ended the session on an uneven note, with technology stocks bearing the brunt of selling pressure. The Nasdaq Composite declined 1.07 per cent to close at 25,164.32 points, reflecting broader weakness in the tech sector. By contrast, the Dow Jones Industrial Average bucked the downward trend, advancing 0.41 per cent to 51,983.98 points.

Apple shares retreated significantly in anticipation of the technology giant's upcoming quarterly earnings report. The stock's weakness contributed to the Nasdaq's steeper decline, as mega-cap tech stocks remain key drivers of the index's performance. Investors appeared cautious ahead of earnings season, reassessing valuations in a shifting market environment.

The divergence between the Nasdaq and Dow Jones underscores a broader market dynamic, with defensive blue-chip industrials outperforming growth-oriented technology names. Market participants are closely watching corporate earnings announcements and macroeconomic data for signals about economic health and interest rate trajectories. The mixed close reflects ongoing uncertainty in equity markets as investors recalibrate portfolios amid evolving economic conditions.