New York, Feb 4, 2026, 20:16 EST — The market has closed.
- Home Depot shares ended the day 1.6% higher at $387.20, marking their fourth consecutive rise.
- The stock remained steady despite losses in tech-heavy indexes amid renewed AI concerns.
- Attention now turns to a shuffled U.S. data schedule and Home Depot’s earnings on Feb. 24.
Home Depot shares climbed 1.6% to $387.20 on Wednesday, marking a fourth consecutive session of gains despite choppy broader markets. The stock outperformed Lowe’s and several major retailers on heavier-than-normal volume, though it remains roughly 9% shy of its 52-week peak. (MarketWatch)
The scene was one of messy rotation as investors dumped AI-related tech shares, shifting into cheaper “value” stocks that had fallen behind the rally. “The stock market is having a really hard knowing where to price the stocks,” said Jed Ellerbroek, portfolio manager at Argent Capital. (Reuters)
The shift matters for Home Depot as rate bets revive, with housing-linked stocks often trailing behind. ADP’s data showed private payrolls climbed just 22,000 in January. The ISM’s services index stayed steady at 53.8, while input-price pressures remained high. “American companies are reluctant to hire right now,” noted Heather Long, chief economist at Navy Federal Credit Union. (Reuters)
For Home Depot, the rate story hits close to home. Mortgage costs and home turnover continue to dictate how much homeowners and contractors shell out for repairs, remodels, and tools — the very items that fill its aisles.
Home Depot is projecting just modest growth for fiscal 2026, with comparable sales expected to be flat to up 2%—comparable sales measure revenue at stores open at least a year. CEO Ted Decker told investors the company remains “focused on growing sales and delivering exceptional shareholder returns.” (Homedepot)
But the situation works both ways. Should rates remain elevated or if job growth slows more, major projects might be delayed, and the spring selling season could fall short. Margin pressure typically follows in those cases.
The near-term calendar got messier after a U.S. government funding lapse delayed crucial data. The Labor Department rescheduled JOLTS for Feb. 5, pushed the January jobs report to Feb. 11, and shifted January’s CPI release to Feb. 13. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
This matters since each labor and inflation report directly impacts Treasury yields, which in turn influence the housing market—right down to spending on home improvements.
Home Depot is set to release its quarterly earnings on Feb. 24 at 9 a.m. ET, per its investor relations calendar. Investors will keenly watch for changes in contractor demand and any initial outlook on the spring selling season. (Homedepot)
