Stock Futures Steady Amid Big Earnings Week

Market Overview and Earnings Highlights

Stock futures held steady on Monday as investors prepared for a pivotal earnings week, with several major S&P 500 companies and Big Tech firms set to release their quarterly results. Futures tied to the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.2%, while those linked to the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 gained 0.1% each. This comes after a four-day winning streak for U.S. equities, marking the longest rally since January.

Among the key reports this week, Apple (AAPL), Microsoft (MSFT), Amazon (AMZN), and Meta Platforms (META) are expected to post earnings, alongside blue-chip companies like Chevron (CVX) and Eli Lilly (LLY). Analysts anticipate Big Tech to deliver an average profit growth of 15% for 2025, despite ongoing trade tensions. In total, over 180 companies representing $20 trillion in market capitalization are reporting, making this the busiest week of the year for earnings.

Trade Policies and Economic Data

Attention remains fixed on U.S.-China trade negotiations as President Trump hinted that higher tariffs on Chinese goods might be postponed, though the overall outlook remains uncertain. Meanwhile, the U.S. Treasury Department is reportedly working on bilateral trade agreements with key Asian partners, a move that could further stabilize trade relations.

Economic data this week will also be under scrutiny. The April jobs report is expected to show a gain of 133,000 nonfarm payrolls, with the unemployment rate steady at 4.2%. Additionally, the release of the Personal Consumer Expenditures (PCE) index, the Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge, will provide insight into consumer spending and price stability. Analysts believe that these indicators will offer a clearer picture of how tariffs and other policies are impacting the U.S. economy.

Market Movements and Commodities

Gold prices dropped 1.6% to $3,268 an ounce as easing trade tensions led investors to reduce safe-haven positions. The precious metal had reached a record high of $3,500 earlier in the week but retreated as risk appetite returned to equity markets. Oil prices were little changed, with West Texas Intermediate crude trading at $62.90 per barrel, reflecting a balance between geopolitical concerns in Iran and Ukraine and improved trade sentiment.

Treasury yields saw modest increases, with the 10-year note rising to 4.29% from Friday’s 4.27%. The U.S. Dollar Index remained stable at 99.60, following a three-year low last week.

Major indexes showed mixed performance, with the S&P 500 up 0.3%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average gaining 0.5%, and the Nasdaq Composite flat. In the cryptocurrency market, Bitcoin traded at $95,300, up 1%, while Ether rose 0.4% to $1,809.79. As markets digest the influx of earnings and economic data, volatility is expected to remain muted, barring unexpected developments in trade or macroeconomic conditions.