US Stock Outlook: Key Nonfarm Data and Tariff Decisions Ahead; Meta's Nuclear Energy Investment Boosts Stocks.

US Market Update Ahead of Non-Farm Payrolls

As the market anticipates the first non-farm payroll report of 2026, US stock futures show slight gains. Currently, Dow futures are up 0.03%, Nasdaq futures are up 0.24%, and S&P 500 futures are up 0.12%.

Tech Stocks Performance

Most major tech stocks are rising in pre-market trading:

• ASML is up over 4%
• Broadcom (AVGO) and Micron Technology (MU) are both up over 1%
• Nvidia (NVDA), Tesla (TSLA), and Alphabet (GOOG) are also seeing gains.

However, many Chinese stocks are struggling:

• Alibaba (BABA) is down 2.5%
• Pinduoduo (PDD), Xpeng Motors (XPEV), and JD.com (JD) are also declining.

Notable Corporate Developments

• Meta has signed a significant nuclear power agreement, becoming the largest buyer of nuclear energy among tech giants, leading to a surge in nuclear stocks.
• TSMC reported a 32% revenue increase, with suppliers and core customers rising in pre-market trading.
• Revolution Medicines (RVMD) surged over 15% amid reports of Merck (MRK) negotiating a potential acquisition, valued between $28 billion and $32 billion.

Market Reactions to Economic Data

The upcoming US non-farm payroll report is highly anticipated, as it may provide the most reliable employment data since the government shutdown last October. Analysts expect the unemployment rate to drop from 4.6% to 4.5%. Goldman Sachs predicts a 70,000 increase in non-farm payrolls for December.

Supreme Court Decision on Tariffs

The US Supreme Court is set to rule on the legality of tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, which could significantly impact trade policy and the US fiscal situation. The decision will address whether the government had the authority to impose these tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).

Trump’s Energy Meeting

President Trump has scheduled a meeting with representatives from the world's largest oil companies to discuss rebuilding Venezuela's oil infrastructure, with an expected investment of at least $100 billion.

Key Economic Indicators to Watch

• 21:30: US December unemployment rate
• 21:30: US December adjusted non-farm employment figures
• 23:00: US January one-year inflation expectations
• 23:00: US January Michigan consumer confidence index

Investors are encouraged to stay informed about market movements and economic indicators as they prepare for potential investment opportunities.