Walmart's results loom before the open. Yesterday saw bond yields fall as the Treasury stepped in. Fed minutes revealed some willingness to raise rates if inflation doesn't cool.

Stocks fell in early trading as Treasury yields rebounded, wiping out most of the previous day's decline. Higher oil prices and Walmart results also hit shares.

Gold futures are trading up over 3% on Wednesday afternoon with the December contracts (/GCZ26) trading at 4555.6.

High-yield municipal bonds might be worth consideration by investors in higher tax brackets who are comfortable taking added risks.

Rising U.S. and global yields continue to drag the stock market, now down three days in a row. Fed minutes later could shed light on the rate debate. Target reports this morning.

Housing starts and building permits arrive this morning along with Home Depot earnings after a weak Monday that saw higher yields and oil weigh on major indexes.

The 2026 midterms could reshape control of Congress, raising the odds of divided government and near-term market volatility, but investors should stay focused on long-term goals.

Rising oil sent yields higher and slowed market gains last week amid a slate of relatively soft U.S. data. This week brings retailer results, but war remains a large concern.

U.S. debt may not be at an immediate breaking point, but persistent deficits, higher rates, and rising interest costs are narrowing fiscal space and market tolerance.