U.S. Futures Slip as Markets Brace for Big Tech Earnings and Economic Data

News Article | April 30, 2025

Market Pulse: U.S. Futures Slip as Markets Brace for Big Tech Earnings and Economic Data

Date: May 1, 2025
Editor’s Note: Markets are entering a pivotal week, marked by high-stakes earnings and key economic reports. Here's what traders are watching.

Futures at a Glance

U.S. stock futures edged lower early Wednesday as investors positioned cautiously ahead of a packed week of earnings and data releases:

Dow Futures: Flat
S&P 500 Futures: -0.2%
Nasdaq 100 Futures: -0.3%

Despite Tuesday’s gains, largely fuelled by optimism over potential trade developments, sentiment remains restrained.

Big Tech in Focus: Microsoft & Meta Lead the Charge

All eyes are on mega-cap tech as first-quarter earnings season heats up. Key players reporting this week include:

Microsoft (MSFT): Investors are watching cloud margins and AI-related revenue.
Meta Platforms (META): Focus is on ad revenue trends and engagement metrics.

Key Economic Indicators on Deck

The macroeconomic calendar is equally dense, with several high-impact releases:

Q1 GDP (Advance Estimate): A key gauge of economic momentum.
Jobs Report (April): Labor market strength remains central to Fed policy.
PCE Inflation (March): The Fed’s preferred inflation measure could shift rate expectations.

Mixed signals—like a dip in consumer confidence and fewer job openings—add to market uncertainty.

Policy Moves: Tariff Tweaks & Trade Hints

President Trump has signed a temporary order easing tariffs on auto parts. Highlights include:

A two-year window for supply chain reshoring
Retroactive credits for imported parts
Support for automakers unable to pivot quickly

Additionally, Commerce Secretary Lutnick teased a pending trade deal, suggesting broader tariff relief could follow.

Quote of the Day

"With tech earnings and inflation data arriving back-to-back, this week could set the tone for summer trading." — Market Strategists

Stay Informed, Stay Ahead
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U.S. Futures Slip as Markets Brace for Big Tech Earnings and Economic Data

U.S. Futures Slip as Markets Brace for Big Tech Earnings and Economic Data

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