Dow Taps Record as Berkshire Stake Takes Center Stage

The major indexes are mixed on the heels of upbeat retail sales data for July, and a Warren Buffett boost for blue chip UnitedHealth Group (UNH). The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) is up 73 points, earlier notching a record peak of 45,203.52. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) are below breakeven, though the former also hit an all-time high earlier. All three benchmarks are also pacing for a second-consecutive weekly win.

Continue reading for more on today's market, including:

• Dow stock eyes best day since March 2020.
• 2 healthcare giants enjoying a Buffett halo lift.
• Plus, chipmaker's earnings blunder; Kodak stock surges; and one of the NYSE's worst names today.

Applied Materials Inc (NASDAQ:AMAT) stock is seeing major activity in the options pits, after the chipmaker reported a fiscal third-quarter win alongside a weak fiscal fourth-quarter outlook, citing tariff uncertainty. The equity is 12.9% lower to trade at $163.94 at last check, pacing for its worst daily drop since March 2020, but remains flat for 2025. So far, 71,000 calls and 94,000 puts have been traded, 11 times the average intraday rate, with the August 180 put seeing the most action.

Eastman Kodak Co (NYSE:KODK) is one of the best stocks on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) today, last seen up 7.6% at $6.28, after a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing showed CEO Jim Continenza and Director Philippe D. Katz bought 50,000 and 10,000 shares in the company, respectively. KODK is pacing for a third-straight daily win, facing off with pressure at the $6.50 level and 30-day moving average.

Roblox Corp (NYSE:RBLX) stock is near the bottom of the NYSE today, down 7.9% to trade at $115.39 at last check. The shares are gapping below the $120 level and 20-day moving average, after the Louisiana attorney general opened a lawsuit against the tech name, demanding the CEO's resignation and calling the platform "the perfect place for pedophiles." RBLX is eyeing its worst day in two weeks, but is still 10% higher on the quarter.