What Happened in the Stock Market Today -- The Motley Fool

as mentioned in Daily sales growth in the non-residential construction end market accelerated with a 15.5% increase, and its sales to manufacturing customers grew 13.3%. Sales figures released for the month of June showed that Fastenal's business was gaining momentum late in the quarter, with non-residential construction daily sales up 17.4%, manufacturing sales gaining 14%, and total daily sales up 13.5%. Revenue for the year through July 8 was down 2% to $563 million, and the 11.1 million guest visits was 314,000 (or 3%) fewer than last year at this time. The $10 million decline in revenue was partly offset by a $2 million increase in out-of-park revenues, including resort accommodations. "We are also pleased with the growth of in-park guest spending where we are seeing year-over-year increases in food, merchandise and extra charge attractions."

How to Survive a Turbulent Stock Market This Summer

TheStreet's founder Jim Cramer will hold his latest monthly call with Action Alerts PLUS club members on July 11 at 11:30 a.m. EST. Cramer will touch on all things trade war and how to successfully navigate the markets this summer. In addition, he will reveal his latest thinking on the best-in-breed stocks held by the Action Alerts PLUS member club. Not helping sentiment on Apple is its exposure to China (thanks, trade war) and slowing smartphone demand (see Samsung's recent results). Apple is a long-time winning position for Action Alerts PLUS.

Video: This Stock Market Rally Has 'Short' Legs

as declared in Monday's stock market rally has "short" legs, according to one expert. That's the assessment from Kristina Hooper, chief global market strategist at Invesco, and a panelist on TheStreet's monthly Trading Strategies roundtable. Still, trade worries lurk in the background. "We have this great, positive environment and yet we have real worries about trade," said Alicia Levine, head of global investment strategy, BNY Mellon Investment Management, and panelist on Trading Strategies. To watch the entire 30-minute Trading Strategies roundtable, click here.

A Stock Market Crash With Chinese Characteristics

The last time Chinese stocks popped, in early 2015, was a classic example of Chinese market dysfunction. The bull market in Chinese stocks, which started in 2016, had better fundamental economic support—but that support is now eroding. An investor watches stock prices at a brokerage in Beijing on July 6. More cash trapped in China chasing fewer empty houses raises the probability of a less severe Chinese housing downturn this time around. AdvertisementA stock market crash—so far much smaller than in 2015—is something China can likely handle.

With Stock Market in Lull, Investors Pin Hopes on Earnings Boom

Analysts expect earnings from S&P 500 companies to grow 20% in the second quarter from the year-earlier period, according to FactSet. "Earnings season should refocus investors' minds on stuff that's important," said John Thomas, chief investment officer of money-management firm Global Wealth Management. Strong sales momentum has analysts forecasting double-digit earnings growth for firms in the semiconductor, internet software & services, technology hardware, storage & peripherals and IT services industries. Shares of consumer-staples companies in the S&P 500 are down 9.1% for the year, placing them among the worst-performing sectors in the broad index. That was the fifth consecutive quarter when S&P 500 companies that reported earnings beats saw average prices moves below the five-year average, FactSet added.

collected by :Molly Tony