Stock market today: Futures rise as tech earnings, tariff deadline loom
U.S. stock futures moved higher Monday morning as investors geared up for a pivotal week dominated by tech earnings and high-stakes developments in U.S. trade policy. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq are coming off a record-setting week, and momentum appears to be holding as Wall Street awaits financial results from major tech firms and a looming tariff deadline from the White House.
Major indexes trade higher ahead of earnings season peak
As of early Monday, Dow Jones Industrial Average futures were up 117 points, or 0.26%. The S&P 500 futures climbed 0.24%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 futures gained 0.29%.
The strength follows a strong showing last week when the Nasdaq rose 1.5% and the S&P 500 advanced 0.6%, while the Dow finished slightly lower. More than 86% of S&P 500 companies that have reported earnings so far have beaten expectations, according to FactSet.
Tech earnings take center stage this week, with Alphabet and Tesla set to report Wednesday. Analysts expect these “Magnificent Seven” companies to drive most of the S&P 500’s second-quarter growth. According to FactSet, the group is projected to post 14% earnings growth, compared to just 3.4% for the rest of the index.
Tariff deadline adds geopolitical uncertainty
Beyond earnings, investors are closely watching trade headlines as the U.S. prepares to implement new tariffs on August 1. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick reiterated that the deadline is a “hard stop” for compliance, though he noted countries could continue negotiations after the date.
European Union officials have reportedly expressed openness to an “unbalanced” trade deal in hopes of avoiding immediate penalties but are also preparing retaliatory measures in case no agreement is reached.
The uncertainty is already rippling through industries. Stellantis warned on Monday it expects a $2.7 billion loss for the first half of the year, citing weaker North American shipments and tariff-related restructuring.
Leading economic index, global markets in focus
On the economic calendar, Monday brings the June Leading Economic Index from the Conference Board. Analysts will watch closely for signs of stabilization or further softening after a string of weaker readings.
Asia-Pacific markets traded mixed overnight. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng rose 0.68%, and South Korea’s Kospi gained 0.71%, while Australia’s ASX 200 slipped over 1%.
In commodities, oil prices remained steady amid new sanctions against Russia. West Texas Intermediate crude held at $67.36, while Brent crude hovered near $69.33 per barrel.
Stocks to watch today
- Verizon Communications and Domino’s Pizza report earnings Monday.
- Palantir and TSMC remain in focus as investors digest recent AI-related stock surges.
- Salesforce, IBM, and ASML are also drawing attention due to valuation comparisons and growing institutional interest.
What’s next for markets?
With earnings season hitting its stride and geopolitical tensions rising, this week could set the tone for the rest of the quarter. Investors will be weighing strong corporate performance against macro headwinds like trade disruptions, slowing growth indicators, and stretched tech valuations.