US stock index futures were down on Thursday as Nvidia’s latest update failed to spur a broader rally, leaving investors focused on retail earnings and economic data due later in the day.
Nvidia edged higher in premarket trading after unveiling an $80 billion buyback, but the move did little to shift sentiment across equity markets as traders weighed Middle East tensions, rising Treasury yields and questions over the durability of the artificial intelligence trade.
Walmart’s results are expected to offer a fresh read on consumer spending, while Intuit slumped after cutting guidance and announcing a 17% workforce reduction plan.
5 things to know before market opens
1. US futures were little changed
S&P 500 futures slipped 0.4%, while contracts tracking the Nasdaq 100 fell 0.6%. Dow Jones Industrial Average futures were down 167 points, or 0.3%.
The muted moves suggested investors were reluctant to chase gains after Nvidia’s update, with attention turning to retail earnings and economic data due later in the session.
2. Nvidia update fails to lift the broader market
Nvidia shares rose 0.3% in premarket trading after the company unveiled an $80 billion buyback.
The stock has gained almost 20% this year, but the latest update did not trigger a wider rally.
Investors are now assessing how long the chipmaker can sustain its momentum as competition in artificial intelligence chips intensifies.
3. Oil slips, but inflation risks remain in focus
Brent crude fell 0.7% to $104.21 a barrel as Pakistan stepped up efforts to bring US-Iran talks back on track.
Still, the US 10-year Treasury yield climbed to 4.582% as concerns over the Strait of Hormuz and broader Middle East tensions continued to feed inflation worries.
Markets are pricing in about a 40% chance that the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates by at least 25 basis points by the end of the year, according to CME’s FedWatch tool.
4. Walmart results set to test consumer demand
Walmart is due to report earnings before the opening bell, giving investors a fresh look at the health of US consumers.
The results will be watched for signs of how inflation is affecting household budgets and whether shoppers are pulling back on discretionary purchases.
As the world’s largest retailer, Walmart’s performance is often seen as a useful gauge of broader retail demand.
5. Intuit slides after guidance cut
Intuit shares fell 12.6% in premarket trading after the company lowered its annual revenue forecast for TurboTax and said it would cut 17% of its full-time workforce.
The update added to concerns over the outlook for consumer-facing technology businesses.
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