Major stock indexes edged higher Monday to kick off what will be an extraordinarily busy week of news for financial markets.

President Donald Trump’s latest trade deal with the European Union is drawing sharp criticism from several leading economists, who argue that it will disproportionately harm American consumers and businesses.

In a move that rattled investors, Dow ( NYSE: DOW) cut its dividend. Chief Financial Officer Jeffrey Tate said the reduction reflects a broader effort to navigate a prolonged downturn and uncertain trade landscape, rather than a shift in its long-term earnings outlook.

Dow Jones is losing ground as traders take profits near historic highs. Nike, which is up by 3.8%, is the biggest gainer in the Dow Jones index today. The stock rallied as JP Morgan upgraded Nike from Neutral to Overweight.

AM Eastern Time, the S&P 500 was virtually unchanged, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was down less than 0.1%, and the Nasdaq Composite was 0.2% higher.

Dow Inc halved its dividend and forecast third-quarter revenue below analysts' expectations as the chemicals maker grapples with a prolonged industry downturn and tariff uncertainty, sending its shares down over 16% in early trading.

MIDLAND, Mich., July 24, 2025 -- Dow (NYSE: DOW) today announced that its Board of Directors has declared a dividend of 35 cents per share. The adjustment in payout size reflects Dow's balanced capital allocation approach and enhances financial flexibility amidst a persistently challenging macroeconomic environment.

Five Dogs of the Dow stocks are not only higher on the year but still offer big yields, a degree of safety from tariffs, and a long history of corporate success.