**S&P 500 Sees Consecutive Losses; Mixed Performance Across Markets Amid Earnings Reports**

For the first time since early September, the S&P 500 has experienced consecutive losses, closing just below the flatline on Tuesday as a once-thriving market rally hit a stumbling block. The Dow Jones Industrial Average mirrored this sentiment, also finishing marginally down, while the Nasdaq Composite managed a modest uptick of about 0.2%.

The stock market's cautious movement reflects investors’ apprehensions regarding the Federal Reserve's future interest rate decisions. With a resilient U.S. economy and cautious statements from Federal Reserve officials fueling uncertainty, there are increasing doubts about aggressive rate cuts or even maintaining the current rates in the near term. Additionally, the upcoming presidential election, with Republican nominee Donald Trump in the spotlight, adds another layer of fiscal concern.

In the bond market, the 10-year Treasury yield steadied at around 4.2% following Monday’s sharp increase, which had pushed it past this threshold for the first time since July. This surge in bond yields has particularly impacted rate-sensitive stocks, such as those in the real estate sector, contributing to a broader stock drawdown.

On the earnings front, General Motors stood out by raising its guidance for the third time this year, largely buoyed by strong electric vehicle sales. This positive news propelled GM shares by more than 10%. In contrast, GE Aerospace and Verizon reported mixed third-quarter results, leading to a decline in their shares, with GE falling over 8% and Verizon around 5%.

Tech sector giants are also under the microscope, with high anticipation for Tesla’s upcoming earnings report on Wednesday. Market enthusiasts are eager to see if the leading tech companies, often dubbed the "Magnificent Seven," can spearhead the next upward momentum for stocks.

Meanwhile, despite the higher yields, gold prices have set a new record high as investors flock to safe-haven assets amid escalating Middle East tensions and the looming U.S. presidential election.

Adding to the political dynamics, Trump Media & Technology Group saw its stock surge by as much as 10%. The company, best known for hosting Trump’s social media platform Truth Social, experienced this rise as betting markets began shifting in favor of a Trump victory in the November election. National polls, especially in pivotal states like Pennsylvania and Michigan, show a neck-and-neck race between Trump and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris.

The International Monetary Fund has also weighed in on the global economic outlook, warning that election uncertainties present a high level of risk to future growth. Introducing new tariffs in the wake of political changes could disrupt global supply chains, impeding the positive effects of innovation that have historically driven growth in emerging markets.

Investors and analysts alike continue to debate the Federal Reserve's monetary policy trajectory, with the latest data pushing the 10-year Treasury yield close to 4.2%. The market consensus, according to the CME FedWatch Tool, suggests an 88% probability of a rate cut in November, though long-term predictions indicate a more conservative rate reduction approach than previously anticipated.

Amid these fluctuations, the energy sector displayed strength, driven by a rise in oil prices, while the Information Technology sector lagged behind, reflective of the broader economic and market uncertainties faced globally.