Market Midday: Stocks Fall, Consumer Sentiment & Retail Sales Disappoint • 8/14/25

Summary

CNBC's midday update covers a down day for stocks after weak July retail sales and University of Michigan consumer sentiment. Steve Liesman cautions against reading too much into one weak retail number, while Disney management highlights strong theme park results and continued investment. Reddit jumps after news it will join the S&P 500.

• Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq are lower midday, but the S&P 500 is still on pace for a third straight winning week.
• July retail sales fell 0.6%, missing expectations for a slight increase.
• University of Michigan sentiment fell to 51, below the 55 expected.
• Steve Liesman says alternative data show decent sales and advises waiting before drawing conclusions.
• Disney's CEO says theme parks were a strong surprise, with earnings growth and expanding streaming margins.
• Disney management signals continued park investment and value-driving demand strategy.
• Reddit shares jump 14% on news it will join the S&P 500.