FactSet U.S. Daily Market Preview

StreetAccount Out Loud US Market Preview is our daily podcast aiming to bring listeners up to speed on recent Financial market news as quickly as possible. With a target time of ~5 minutes and a publish time of ~5:00 ET, this is an ideal listen prior to market open. 

US equity futures are slightly higher. European markets opened firmer and Asian equities ended mixed. Markets continue to digest the hotter-than-expected US January CPI report, which reinforced concerns that disinflation momentum has stalled, leading markets to push back expectations for the first rate cut to December from September. Meanwhile, investors remain on watch for Trump’s expected reciprocal tariff announcement, with reports indicating potential exemptions for autos and pharmaceuticals. In geopolitical developments, Trump announced that he has ordered US officials to begin peace talks with Russia and Ukraine , but noted it is unlikely Ukraine would return to its pre-2014 borders. His Defense Secretary Hegseth told a NATO summit that Ukraine has no prospect of joining the military alliance. Companies Mentioned: Applovin, Aspen Technology, Bentley Systems, Epiroc, Alibaba, Apple

S&P futures are indicating a slightly lower open, down (0.12%) ahead of the January CPI report. Asian markets advanced on Wednesday, with the Hang Seng leading the gains, up+2.64%, driven by enthusiasm over AI developments and Chinese property sector optimism. European markets opened slightly higher, with major indexes all edging up. Companies Mentioned: Alibaba, Apple, Brookfield Asset Management, McDonald's

S&P futures are indicating a slightly lower open, down (0.24%), as traders digest the escalating tariff rhetoric from President Trump, who recently imposed 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports with warnings of additional measures on cars, semiconductors, and pharmaceutical products in the near term. Asian markets were mixed on Tuesday. Greater China markets closed lower, as investors took profits following a six-day rally driven by AI-related optimism. European earnings season has started strong, with 69% of companies beating sales forecasts. Companies Mentioned: Columbus McKinnon, Phillips 66, SoftBank Group

US equity futures are higher after a weak close on Friday. European markets opened stronger following last week's gains. Asian equities ended mixed. Markets remain focused on tariffs after Trump signaled plans to announce 25 percent duties on all aluminum and steel imports, along with separate reciprocal tariffs on countries that tax US goods. He did not specify which nations would be targeted, though Germany’s Chancellor Scholz responded that Europe is prepared to retaliate immediately if tariffs are imposed on the EU. Earlier, Trump suspended the revocation of de minimis exemptions, reversing a policy shift that had impacted Chinese e-commerce firms. China’s latest tariffs on select US products took effect, but their limited scope suggests a measured response compared to US actions. Talks between Trump and China’s President Xi remain a key market focus. Companies Mentioned: Brookfield Asset Management, Renault, Nissan Motor, Foxconn, Boeing

US equity futures are pointing to a slightly lower open today. European markets have opened mixed, following various levels in Asian markets. US non-farm payrolls in focus, with consensus looking for step down in headline jobs growth and unchanged unemployment rate. Impact likely to be tempered as Fed rate expectations unlikely to be influenced with no change in rates expected in March's meeting.Companies mentioned: Dun & Bradstreet, Blackstone, Nikola

S&P futures are indicating a higher open, up +0.28%. Asian equities ended largely higher on Thursday, brushing aside trade concerns. European markets opened higher, with major indexes advancing as solid German factory orders data and easing trade tensions helped lift sentiment across the region. Companies Mentioned: Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma, Nissan Motor, Honda Motors, Delta

S&P futures are indicating a lower open, down (0.5%) as concerns over global trade uncertainties and mixed corporate earnings weigh on investor sentiment. Asian markets ended mixed on Wednesday with China markets notably lower on trade tensions and weaker-than-expected PMI data. European market opened softer today as President Trump’s potential tariff threats toward the European Union remain a key risk, with markets watching closely for any developments. Companies Mentioned: Apple, Google, Honda, Nissan, Blackrock

US equity futures are slightly lower after a weak close on Monday. European markets opened tentatively higher following losses in the previous session. Asian equities ended mostly higher. Markets continue to react to Trump's weekend tariff announcements, which were more aggressive than expected. However, concerns eased somewhat after Mexico's President Sheinbaum confirmed a one-month postponement of tariffs on Mexico in exchange for increased border security commitments. Trump is set to speak with Canada's Trudeau and reportedly plans to call China's President Xi. Developments have fueled speculation that the tariffs may serve as diplomatic leverage rather than lasting policy changes, though reports indicate Trump is considering 10 percent tariffs on the European Union. China responded to the formal start of US tariffs with its own set of 10 percent and 15 percent duties on US energy products and launched an antitrust investigation into Google.Companies Mentioned: KKR, Fuji Soft, Grab, GoTo, Vacasa

US equity futures are lower after a weak close on Friday. European markets opened sharply lower but have since pared some losses. Asian equities ended broadly weaker. Markets reacted to President Trump’s decision to impose new tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada, and China, triggering a broad risk-off move. Additional tariffs targeting chips, metals, and energy are set to take effect by 18-Feb, with Canada announcing retaliatory measures. Analysts warned that rising import costs could push inflation higher, reducing the likelihood of further Federal Reserve rate cuts. Inflation data showed no change from the prior month, while personal spending increased at a faster pace than expected. Federal Reserve officials maintained a cautious tone, emphasizing that inflation remains a concern and signaling little urgency for rate cuts.Companies Mentioned: Sphere Entertainment, Amazon, Shein, Alibaba, PDD, eBay, Costco

US equity futures are slightly firmer after a positive close on Thursday. European markets are trading higher, with record highs for the STOXX 600. Asian equities ended mixed, with Japan and Australia extending their rallies while South Korea fell after reopening post-holiday. Market attention remains on the latest US tariff announcements, with Trump confirming 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico set to take effect Saturday, while China faces a 10% tariff. Uncertainty remains on whether these tariffs will be fully implemented or adjusted at the last minute. Investors are also watching macro data closely, with inflation updates from France, Germany, and Portugal following Spain’s firmer-than-expected reading. The ECB reiterated confidence in reaching its inflation target, cutting rates by 25 bps as expected.Companies mentioned: NVIDIA, Samsung Electronics, SoftBank, OpenAI

US equity futures are slightly firmer after a weaker close on Wednesday. European markets are trading higher and Asian equities ended mixed. FOMC meeting concluded with the Fed leaving rates unchanged as expected, though the policy statement saw slight hawkish tweaks, with markets continuing to price the first rate reduction around mid-year. Big tech earnings in focus after hours, while results broadly beat expectations, Azure’s slower-than-expected growth and Tesla's cautious sales outlook weighed on sentiment. Meanwhile, AI-related scrutiny continues, as the White House reportedly discussed new restrictions on Nvidia’s H20 chip exports to China, and OpenAI, Microsoft, and regulators globally probe DeepSeek’s data acquisition methods. ECB widely expected to cut rates by 25 bps later today.Companies mentioned: SoftBank, OpenAI, Nvidia, Serco Group, Northrop Grumman

US equity futures are slightly higher following a strong rebound on Tuesday. European markets are trading mixed, and Asian equities ended higher in light trading. Markets continue to digest AI sector volatility following Monday’s sharp selloff driven by China's DeepSeek, as investors evaluate its impact on US tech leadership and AI capex trends. Focus has shifted toward the efficiency gains DeepSeek’s breakthroughs could bring and potential US policy responses, including tightening China sanctions. The White House is also currently assessing national security implications. The Fed is widely expected to leave rates unchanged at today’s FOMC meeting. Meanwhile, Trump’s latest tariff comments added to trade uncertainty, as he floated significantly higher global tariff rates and targeted specific industries.Companies Mentioned: DeepSeek, OpenAI, Microsoft, Alibaba, American Axle & Manufacturing, Dowlais Group

S&P futures are up +0.33% following the tech sell-off yesterday, during which Nvidia plummeted close to (17%). Asian markets ended mostly lower on Tuesday. DeepSeek’s cost-efficient AI model continues to dominate discussions, raising questions about the effectiveness of U.S. export controls and the broader implications for the semiconductor industry. In Europe, markets opened mostly firmer. European tech stocks stabilized with analysts suggesting that DeepSeek’s AI model could lead to broader adoption and long-term market expansion despite short-term challenges. Companies Mentioned: SAP, Nvidia

S&P futures are down (2%) and pointing to a sharply lower open, as Chinese AI startup DeepSeek sends shockwave to the global tech markets with its new AI model that can run on less-advanced chips, challenging the dominance of high-cost chipmakers like Nvidia. Nasdaq 100 futures tumbled over (3%), and the VIX futures are surging. European tech stocks are recording sharp declines with ASML plummeting over (9%). Asian markets were polarized with the Nikkei down (1%) due to steep losses in Japanese tech stocks, while the Hang Seng edged higher on optimism surrounding Chinese AI developments.Companies Mentioned: TikTok, Nvidia, United States Steel, Logility Supply Chain Solutions, Beacon Roofing Supply

US equity futures are pointing to a slightly lower open today. European markets have opened in the positive territory, following mostly higher levels in Asian markets. Market focus is on BOJ after its 25bps hike, with statement noting likelihood of realizing projections has been rising. Tariff headline volatility continues with Trump voicing hesitation about imposing tariffs on China.Companies mentioned: Intuitive Surgica, Boeing

US equity futures are slightly lower after a mostly positive close on Wednesday. European markets are trading mixed and Asian equities ended mixed. Market focus remains on US trade policy, with tariff-related headlines continuing to drive sentiment. Trump's threats to impose tariffs on Mexico, Canada, China, and the EU have added uncertainty, although markets view his trade memorandum ordering an investigation as a less aggressive stance. Meanwhile, Trump also increased pressure on Russia to negotiate an end to war in Ukraine and threatened financial sanctions if he refused. AI remains in focus following the formal Stargate announcement, with investors weighing the long-term growth prospects against financing concerns. Companies mentioned: Ovintiv, Cadence Bank, Henry Schein

Following higher closes yesterday, S&P futures are up +0.41% and pointing to a higher open. U.S.-China relations remain in focus, with tariff discussions creating volatility. Asian equities ended mostly higher on Wednesday, and European markets are broadly firmer in early trades.Companies Mentioned: Google, American Airline, Meta

S&P futures are indicating a higher open, up +0.31%, while markets are reacting to President Trump’s rapid series of executive orders following his inauguration, which included plans for 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico starting 1-Feb, a delay in TikTok bans by 75 days, and a review of U.S. trade deficits. European equity markets opened mixed, following a bumpy day for Asian markets.Companies Mentioned: BrightSpring Health Services, Nu Holdings

US futures are pointing to a higher open today, following Thursday's anemic performance with major averages unable to extend Wednesday's rally. European equity markets have opened in the positive territory, following mixed levels in Asian markets. Risk appetite buoyant following sharp retreat in bond yields driven by revival in bets for a Fed rate cut by June. Some caution ahead of Trump 2.0 on Monday, with signing of executive orders in different areas.Companies mentioned: TikTok, Palantir, Lockheed Martin