The main indexes experienced a sharp decline in early trading due to rising tensions with China, but rebounded following encouraging bank earnings.
Stocks initially slumped on Tuesday amid concerns over U.S.-China trade relations. However, the market indexes finished the day well off their intraday lows, with one index ending in positive territory.
This rebound was driven by a strong start to the third-quarter earnings season and a speech from Fed Chair Jerome Powell, which kept the possibility of an October rate cut open.
Stocks have been volatile so far this October.
Author's summary: Volatile stock market due to US-China tensions.