Stocks Search for Direction as Earnings Pour In, Yields Stay High

US stocks searched for direction as earnings reports rolled in, with the Dow looking to snap a 6-day losing streak and rising 0.5%. The S&P 500 traded flat while the Nasdaq rose 0.1%.

Bond yields remained at multi-month highs, with the 10-year Treasury yield around 4.66%. This fuels expectations that rates will stay higher for longer.

UnitedHealth shares added 5% after beating profit estimates. Bank of America profits dropped 18% as revenue weakened.

Consensus is now for no Fed rate cut until September as economic strength gives reason to take time. Politics could push earlier cuts.

Cboe Volatility Index signaled "localized stress" as yields pressure stocks. Investors are "de-risking" so opportunity increases but also danger.