On Wednesday, February 21st, U.S. stock markets closed mixed, with the Nasdaq Composite dropping for the third day. In economic data, U.S. mortgage applications dropped 10.6% in the week ending Feb. 16, 2024. FOMC minutes highlighted the Fed’s need for clear disinflation signs before considering rate cuts. On the NYSE, advancers matched decliners, while on the Nasdaq, decliners led advancers 1.73-to-1. The S&P 500 saw 25 new highs, and the Nasdaq had 47 new highs against 96 new lows. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained by 0.13%, closing at 38,612.24, the S&P 500 rose 0.13% to reach 4,981.8…
