On Wednesday, April 24, the U.S. stock markets closed mixed as the S&P 500 closed higher, influenced by rising Treasury yields following a $70 billion auction and positive tech earnings.  The Dow fell, but the Nasdaq rose, with consumer staples and real estate sectors leading gains. According to economic data, U.S. mortgage applications dropped 2.7% in the week ending April 19. Meanwhile, orders for durable goods increased by 2.6% in March, and crude oil inventories unexpectedly fell by 6.368 million barrels, defying expectations of a gain. Seven of the eleven S&P 500 sectors saw advances, with the leading performances in consumer staples, utilities, consumer discretionary, and real estate stocks. The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 0.11% to close at 38,460.92. The ...