Tariff Concerns Impact Futures: U.S. stock futures slipped as investors reacted to President Donald Trump’s announcement of a 30% tariff on imports from the European Union and Mexico, set to take effect August 1, 2025. This has heightened fears of a global trade war, contributing to a cautious market sentiment.
Earnings Season Begins: Fastenal Company (FAST) is scheduled to report earnings before the market opens today for the quarter ending June 30, 2025. Analysts expect earnings per share of $0.28, a 12% increase from last year, though the company missed estimates in Q4 2024. This kicks off a busy earnings week, with major banks like Citigroup, JPMorgan Chase, and Wells Fargo reporting tomorrow.
Commodity Market Updates: The USDA lowered its forecast for global corn stocks for the 2025-2026 marketing year to 1.66 billion bushels, down from 1.75 billion, boosting grain and soybean futures overnight. Soybean stocks are projected at 310 million bushels, up from 295 million, while wheat stocks are slightly down at 890 million bushels.
Economic Data on Horizon: Investors are awaiting key economic releases this week, including June’s CPI, PPI, and retail sales data, which could influence expectations for Federal Reserve policy. Today’s economic calendar is relatively light, with focus shifting to tomorrow’s CPI and Empire State Index.
Global Market Context: Asian markets showed mixed responses, with Thailand’s SET Index rising 1.98% on U.S.-Thai trade optimism, while Singapore’s GDP grew 4.3% year-on-year, beating forecasts. These global cues may influence U.S. pre-market sentiment.
Bitcoin and Market Sentiment: Bitcoin hit new highs above $118,000 over the weekend, but broader market caution persists due to tariff-related inflationary pressures and uncertainty around corporate earnings.
For now, here’s a brief overview of notable pre-market movers and sector highlights for July 14, 2025, based on available data:
Technology Sector: Tech stocks are under pressure in pre-market trading due to tariff concerns, with companies like Apple (AAPL) and Nvidia (NVDA) seeing slight declines in futures. Investors are monitoring upcoming earnings from tech giants later this week, which could set the tone for the sector.
Financials: Major banks like Citigroup (C), JPMorgan Chase (JPM), and Wells Fargo (WFC) are in focus as they prepare to report earnings tomorrow. Pre-market sentiment is cautious but stable, with analysts expecting strong results driven by loan growth and investment banking recovery.
Energy and Commodities: Energy stocks are seeing mixed pre-market activity as oil prices stabilize after last week’s volatility. ExxonMobil (XOM) and Chevron (CVX) are slightly up, supported by tighter global corn and soybean forecasts boosting biofuel demand.
Notable Mover – Fastenal (FAST): Fastenal, a distributor of industrial supplies, is expected to report earnings per share of $0.28 before the market opens today. Pre-market trading shows modest gains, but investors are wary after the company’s Q4 2024 earnings miss.
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