Here is a comprehensive report on the top stock market news, stocks to watch, and expected market movement for today:

Daily Stock Market Report

Top Stock Market News

1. Indexes Finish Higher, Close Out Strong July

U.S. stocks finished the last trading session of July in the green, kicking off a busy week packed with major earnings reports and economic data releases. The S&P 500 rose 0.6%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.5%, and the Nasdaq Composite climbed 0.2%. All three indexes posted solid gains for the month, with the Nasdaq leading the way, up 3.8%.

Investors are awaiting a slew of earnings this week from mega-cap tech giants like Amazon, Apple, and Alphabet. Their results could sway market sentiment and provide insights into consumer spending and corporate health. Traders are also eagerly anticipating key economic reports, including the monthly jobs data on Friday, which could influence the Federal Reserve's next interest rate decision.

2. Big Tech Rallies, Boosting Indexes

Tech shares climbed on Friday, lifting major U.S. indexes higher as traders digested a raft of corporate earnings and fresh inflation data. The S&P 500 gained 0.6%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq rose 1.2%. Amazon jumped 3.2% ahead of its earnings report this week, while Apple added 1.9% as investors awaited its quarterly results.

The rally in tech countered some disappointing earnings from companies like Intel and McDonald's. Investors shrugged off data showing the Fed's preferred inflation gauge, the personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index, rose 3% in June from a year ago, still well above the central bank's 2% target.

3. Amazon Misses Revenue Estimates, Stock Tumbles

E-commerce giant Amazon's stock plunged more than 6% in pre-market trading on Friday after the company reported weaker-than-expected revenue for the second quarter. While Amazon's revenue grew 27% year-over-year, it fell short of analysts' estimates, reflecting the broader slowdown in consumer spending amid high inflation and economic uncertainty.

Amazon's disappointing results weighed on other tech stocks, underscoring investor concerns about the sector's growth prospects. The company's cloud computing division, AWS, also posted slower growth, adding to the bearish sentiment.

Top Stocks to Watch

1. Tata Steel, GAIL, RVNL, HPCL, PNB

Indian stocks like Tata Steel, GAIL, RVNL, HPCL, and Punjab National Bank (PNB) will be in focus today as they report their quarterly earnings. Investors will closely watch these results for insights into the companies' performance and guidance, which could impact their respective stock prices.

2. B2Gold Corp, Carvana Co, Microsoft, Amazon, Apple

Value stocks like B2Gold Corp (BTG), a gold producer, and Carvana Co (CVNA), a used car e-commerce company, are on the radar of investors seeking potential bargains. Meanwhile, tech titans Microsoft, Amazon, and Apple will be closely watched as they release their much-anticipated quarterly results this week.

3. Most Active Stocks

Investors should keep an eye on the most actively traded stocks, which can provide insights into market sentiment and potential trading opportunities. Some of the most active stocks today may include those that have recently reported earnings or made significant announcements, as well as stocks in sectors experiencing heightened volatility or news flow.

Stock Market Expected Movement

Given the mix of positive and negative factors, the stock market is expected to experience volatility in the coming days. Here's a breakdown of potential market movements:

Bullish Factors

1. Strong corporate earnings: If major companies like Amazon, Apple, and Alphabet report better-than-expected results, it could boost investor confidence and drive a rally in tech stocks and the broader market.

2. Positive economic data: Solid economic indicators, such as a strong jobs report or upbeat consumer spending figures, could signal continued economic growth and support stock prices.

3. Cooling inflation: Any signs that inflation is moderating could ease concerns about aggressive interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve, providing a tailwind for stocks.

Bearish Factors

1. Disappointing earnings: Weak earnings from key companies, particularly in the tech sector, could trigger sell-offs and weigh on market sentiment.

2. Persistent inflation: If inflation remains stubbornly high, it could prompt the Fed to maintain its hawkish stance, potentially dampening investor enthusiasm.

3. Economic slowdown concerns: Indicators pointing to a potential economic slowdown or recession could fuel risk-off sentiment and drive investors away from riskier assets like stocks.

Overall, the stock market is likely to experience heightened volatility as investors digest a slew of corporate earnings, economic data, and Federal Reserve commentary. However, the direction of the market will ultimately depend on the balance between positive and negative factors, with investors closely monitoring any developments that could impact their investment decisions.