Stock market today: Stock futures steady as S&P 500, Nasdaq try to build on records
07/08/2024 18:50A consequential week that could provide key signals for the near-term path of interest rates.
US stock futures were little changed early Monday ahead of a consequential week that could provide key signals for the near-term path of interest rates.
Futures tied to the S&P 500 (^GSPC) and tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC) hugged the flatline after each index notched its latest record on Friday. Futures tied to the Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI) nudged up about 0.1%.
The S&P and Nasdaq are looking to build on records secured in the wake of Friday's jobs report, which signaled continued cooling in the labor market. That prompted an influx of bets on a September rate cut from the Federal Reserve. About three-in-four traders expect a cut in September, according to the CME FedWatch tool.
Several events this week could add to that growing rate-cut momentum. Fed Chair Jerome Powell is set to appear in Congress for semiannual testimony Tuesday and Wednesday. Then comes the latest Consumer Price Index print, set for release on Thursday. Economists expect headline inflation rose 3.1% over the last year, which would match the lows where the CPI started the year.
In other market-moving events, a left-wing coalition in France garnered the most votes in the country's election, stunning a far-right that was hoping to secure a parliamentary majority. The benchmark French index (^FHCI) rose slightly.
In corporates, Boeing (BA) pleaded guilty to a criminal conspiracy charge in relation to two fatal 737 Max crashes. Shares were up nearly 1% in premarket trading.
Live1 update
Disney watching
Keep an eye on Disney (DIS) shares this morning after some big estimate bumps out of JP Morgan.
Analyst David Karnovsky lifted his full fiscal year operating income estimates on Disney to reflect 20.5% year on year growth. He sees EPS rising 25%.
"Our higher estimate follows very strong box office performance for Inside Out 2, which grossed over $1 billion globally in the quarter. The film is a positive indicator for the creative direction at the studio – especially with a number of animated sequels in the pipeline – even as we think investors still want to see execution on original IP," says Karnovsky.
Worth noting: Disney shares are down 16% in the last three months.