[BRIEFING.COM] The major averages continue to trade in a steady range near their opening highs.
The consumer discretionary sector (+1.7%) remains one of the strongest S&P 500 sectors, supported by a combination of strength in oil and rate-sensitive names as well as mega-cap leadership. The iShares U.S. Home Construction ETF (+1.3%) has reclaimed the bulk of this week's previous weakness today as Treasury yields follow oil prices lower, with the 10-year note yield down five basis points to 4.96%. Lennar (LEN 79.44, +1.08, +1.38%) reversed an opening loss, trading higher despite a Q3 earnings miss and another reduction to its FY26 delivery target, as higher mortgage rates and weaker buyer confidence continue to constrain demand.
In other stock-specific news, NIKE (NKE 35.92, +0.14, +0.38%) trades modestly higher after announcing last night that Alexandre Arnault has been appointed to the Board. Arnault is Deputy CEO of Moët Hennessy, LVMH's wines and spirits division.