Stock Market Update

[BRIEFING.COM] The S&P 500 (+0.4%), Nasdaq Composite (+0.7%), and DJIA (+0.1%) are at their best levels of the session as strength in the broader market continues to expand. 

Seven S&P 500 sectors now trade higher, with only the defensive health care (-0.7%) and consumer staples (-0.6%) sectors now holding losses wider than 0.5%. 

Despite the weakness in the consumer staples sector, Kroger (KR 71.91, +4.41, +6.53%) is sharply higher after the company named a new CEO and reaffirmed its FY26 guidance. The appointment of Greg Foran adds credibility to the company's long-term transformation efforts, particularly around digital engagement, cost discipline, and operational efficiency. With the Albertsons merger no longer clouding the outlook, investors can focus on Kroger's strong cash returns, aggressive share repurchases, and improving execution.