Live Stock Market Update: Dow Futures Rise as Powell’s Speech & Trump’s Economic Plan Steal the Spotlight
Stay updated with live stock market insights as Dow futures rise and investors focus on Powell's speech and Trump’s economic agenda. Get the latest analysis!
U.S. stock futures saw small gains early Thursday as investors awaited Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s upcoming speech and reflected on the potential impacts of a Republican majority under President-elect Donald Trump.
Market Overview
- Dow Jones Industrial Average Futures gained 0.2%
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S&P 500 Futures ticked up 0.1%
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Nasdaq 100 Futures were mostly steady, following mixed trading results from the previous day
Although stock movements were modest, major U.S. indexes are still near record highs. The latest consumer inflation report has left investors hopeful about a possible Fed rate cut in December, while more economic data, including wholesale inflation and jobless claims, are expected to influence market sentiment.
Powell’s Speech: What to Expect on Interest Rates
Powell’s speech in Texas is expected to offer more clarity on the Fed’s view of inflation and the path forward for interest rates. Investors are watching closely to see if Powell hints at further rate cuts or indicates that rates may stay elevated for an extended period, especially with potential upward pressure on prices from Trump’s anticipated policies.
GOP Control Sparks Market Optimism
With the Republicans holding onto a slim majority in the House, Trump and his party now control Congress and the White House. This unified power is boosting investor confidence, as many expect deregulation, tax reform, and other business-friendly policies to come into play. These expectations are fueling a post-election rally in stocks.
However, Trump’s “America First” stance is creating concern in international markets, especially in Asia. In Hong Kong, Chinese stocks, particularly in the tech sector, have dropped sharply, with the index down nearly 20% from its October peak due to fears over potential trade conflicts and policy changes.
Disney Stock Jumps on Positive Earnings
In corporate news, Disney (DIS) exceeded analyst expectations with its latest earnings, driven by the profitability of its streaming service. The earnings report gave Disney’s stock a boost in premarket trading, with revenue and profit both surpassing Wall Street projections.
Also Read: Live Updates: US Stock Futures Rise, Bitcoin Tops $82,000, and Market Insights
Key Points for Investors
As markets assess both domestic policy shifts and the latest economic data, investors are carefully gauging the Fed’s interest rate stance and Trump’s economic strategy. While the current mood remains positive, new data and Federal Reserve insights are expected to shape the market’s direction in the coming days.
Key Moments
- Dow futures climb 0.2% as investors await Jerome Powell's speech.
- Powell's upcoming remarks could influence future interest rate decisions.
- Trump's Republican sweep boosts confidence in aggressive economic plans.
- Disney's strong earnings and profitable streaming unit lift stock in premarket.
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Tapestry Soars 11%, Capri Falls After Merger Plans Scrapped
Tapestry (TPR) saw its stock surge to an 11-year high on Thursday after the company, which owns Coach, and Capri Holdings (CPRI) called off their planned $8.5 billion merger. The two fashion giants mutually agreed to abandon the deal due to regulatory challenges that would prevent them from meeting the necessary US approval requirements by the merger's deadline of February 10, 2025.
As a result, Tapestry's shares soared by as much as 11%, while Capri's stock dropped 2% in response to the news.
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Disney Surges 10% After Strong Earnings Beat and Positive Outlook
Disney (DIS) saw its stock soar by more than 10% on Thursday following the release of its fiscal fourth-quarter earnings, which exceeded Wall Street expectations. The entertainment giant reported higher-than-expected earnings per share and revenue, driven by the continued success of its direct-to-consumer business, which turned profitable in the quarter.
Investors were also encouraged by Disney’s strong guidance for the next two years, further boosting confidence in the company’s growth trajectory. This positive outlook helped fuel a surge in the stock price during early trading.
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Stocks See Modest Gains Ahead of Powell’s Speech and GOP Victory
U.S. stock futures showed slight gains on Thursday as investors awaited a speech from Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, while also processing the results of the Republican party’s recent victory in Congress.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by 0.2%, while the S&P 500 edged up slightly. The Nasdaq also saw a modest increase of 0.1%.
On Wednesday, Republicans secured control of the House of Representatives, giving them full control of Washington and shaping the political landscape for 2024.
Market participants are keeping an eye on the rising U.S. Dollar Index (DX-Y.NYB), which has put pressure on commodities like oil and gold. As the dollar strengthens, these dollar-priced assets have been facing some turbulence.
Meanwhile, Bitcoin (BTC-USD) held steady above $91,000 on Thursday, after reaching a high of $93,400 earlier this week. The cryptocurrency has gained more than 30% since Election Day, driven by the market’s "Trump trade" optimism following Donald Trump’s win.
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Jobless Claims Fall to May-Low Levels
Initial jobless claims dropped by 4,000 to 217,000 for the week ending Nov. 9, reaching their lowest point since May. This was below the anticipated 220,000 claims, signaling a continued resilient labor market. The decline adds to the evidence of a steady economy, with fewer workers seeking unemployment benefits despite broader economic concerns.
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Key Market Events Today: Economic Data, Earnings Reports, and More
Good morning! Here’s what you need to know for today’s market updates.
Economic Data to Watch:
- Initial Jobless Claims: The latest figures for the week ending Nov. 9.
- Producer Price Index (PPI): October's report on inflation at the wholesale level.
- Import & Export Prices: Insights into the cost of goods for January.
- Industrial Production: Data for January showing the health of the manufacturing sector.
- NAHB Housing Market Index: A look at housing market sentiment in February (previous: 44).
Earnings Reports to Follow:
- Advance Auto Parts (AAP)
- Applied Materials (AMAT)
- Disney (DIS)
- JD.com (JD)
- Oklo (OKLO)
Make sure to stay tuned for detailed updates and analysis as these reports and economic indicators impact the market today!