## Major Index Performance
- **S&P 500**: Down 0.5% as of 11 a.m. Eastern time[1].
- **Dow Jones Industrial Average**: Slipped 30 points, or 0.1%, as of 11 a.m. Eastern time[1].
- **NASDAQ Composite**: Sank 0.6% as of 11 a.m. Eastern time[1].

## Key Factors Driving Today's Market Direction
- **Target's Forecast**: Target's stock dropped 21.2% after the retailer reported weaker profit and revenue than expected and gave a pessimistic forecast for the holiday shopping season[1].
- **Walmart's Performance**: In contrast, Walmart reported strong sales and optimistic projections for the holiday season, which positively impacted its stock[1].
- **Geopolitical Tensions**: Ongoing concerns about the Russia-Ukraine conflict also influenced market sentiment[2].

## Notable Sector Performance
- **Top Gainers**: Technology and Communication Services sectors were among the gainers, with the Technology Select Sector SPDR (XLK) up 0.7% and the Communication Services Select Sector SPDR (XLC) up 0.8% on the previous day[2].
- **Top Decliners**: Energy and Financials sectors were among the decliners, with the Energy Select Sector SPDR (XLE) down 0.6% and the Financials Select Sector SPDR (XLF) down 0.7% on the previous day[2].

## Market Highlights
- **Most Actively Traded Stocks**: Target was highly active due to its significant stock drop[1].
- **Biggest Percentage Losers**: Target led the losers with a 21.2% drop[1].
- **Significant Market-Moving News Events**: Target's earnings report and forecast, Walmart's strong earnings, and geopolitical tensions between Russia and Ukraine[1][2].
- **Important Economic Data Releases**:
- Housing starts in October were 1.311 million units, missing the consensus estimate of 1.345 million units[2].
- Building permits in October were 1.416 million units, lagging the consensus estimate of 1.44 million units[2].

## Technical Analysis
- **Current Market Trend**: The market is showing bearish indicators due to the decline in major indices and geopolitical concerns[1][2].
- **Key Support and Resistance Levels**: No specific levels mentioned in the sources, but the overall trend suggests caution.
- **Trading Volume Analysis**: Trading volume was lower than the last 20-session average, with 13.94 billion shares traded on Tuesday[2].
- **VIX Movement and Implications**: The VIX was up 4.9% to 16.35, indicating increased volatility and investor concern[2].

## Forward-Looking Elements
- **Pre-market Futures Indication**: Not specified in the sources.
- **Key Events to Watch for Tomorrow**: No specific events mentioned, but ongoing geopolitical tensions and earnings reports will be significant.
- **Important Upcoming Earnings Releases**: Continued earnings season will be crucial, especially for retail and technology sectors.
- **Potential Market Catalysts**: Holiday season sales forecasts, geopolitical developments, and upcoming economic data releases.