US Stocks Fall as ‘Sell America’ Sentiment Returns | Closing Bell

Summary

U.S. stocks closed sharply lower, with the S&P 500 down about 2% on broad-based selling and heavy volume. After the close, United Airlines beat Q4 estimates and guided for a strong 2026, while Netflix beat Q4 but offered a cautious 2026 outlook marked by higher spending, a buyback pause, and the all-cash Warner Bros Discovery bid. Netflix shares fell after hours, while United rose.

• S&P 500 fell about 2%, its worst day since October 2025, closing near the 100-day moving average.
• Selling was broad-based, with information technology, consumer discretionary, and financials leading declines; consumer staples was the lone positive sector.
• Small caps outperformed large caps on a relative basis, though the Russell 2000 still closed lower.
• United Airlines beat Q4 estimates and guided for strong 2026 earnings on premium and international demand; shares rose after hours.
• Netflix beat Q4 revenue and EPS but its 2026 revenue, margin, and free cash flow guidance were cautious relative to estimates.
• Netflix plans to increase content spending and pause buybacks to help fund its all-cash Warner Bros Discovery bid, which would add debt; shares fell after hours.