01 Stock Market
As of Aug 4, U.S. stock index futures performed as follows: Dow-linked contracts advanced 1.10%, Nasdaq 100 futures climbed 1.14%, and S&P 500 futures added 0.33%, pointing to a cautiously optimistic start as investors balance robust tech momentum against softer energy prices and geopolitical headlines.
Notable Stock Movers: Applied Optoelectronics (AAOI) up 20.48% at $132.78, Coherent (COHR) up 17.30% at $338.00, Palantir Technologies (PLTR) up 15.00% at $144.50, Lumentum (LITE) up 13.77% at $887.26, Marvell Technology (MRVL) up 7.97% at $209.21, while Microsoft (MSFT) fell 1.93% at $478.25.
Ahead of the bell, enthusiasm is concentrated in semiconductor and optical-communications names following upbeat earnings and demand signals, lifting related leveraged exchange-traded products and reinforcing hopes of an AI-driven capital-expenditure cycle; meanwhile, selective weakness in mega-cap technology moderates headline gains.
02 Other Markets
• 10-year U.S. Treasury yield fell 0.44%, to 4.66%.
• U.S. Dollar Index fell 0.02% to 99.93.
• WTI crude oil futures fell 3.85% to 77.25 USD/barrel; COMEX gold futures rose 0.83% to 4124.40 USD/ounce.
03 Key News
1. The U.S. Treasury Secretary signaled that a breakthrough with Iran could reopen the Strait of Hormuz, easing energy supply risks. Negotiators are reportedly close to finalizing terms that would allow vital shipping lanes to resume normal traffic, a move that could alleviate recent pressure on global oil markets and support trade flows.
2. Duke Energy reported stronger-than-expected adjusted profit and reaffirmed full-year guidance, citing resilient electricity demand. Gains from regulated utility operations and infrastructure returns more than offset higher interest costs, supporting the company’s earnings outlook despite elevated capital spending plans.
3. McDonald’s posted higher net income and revenue, lifted systemwide sales, and named a new U.S. president to sharpen execution. Double-digit growth in loyalty-program spending and steady comparable sales kept the fast-food giant on course to achieve its strategic targets for the fiscal year.
4. Marathon Petroleum delivered its strongest profit in several years on surging refining margins linked to Middle East supply disruptions. Higher gasoline, diesel, and jet-fuel spreads doubled marketing margins, while utilization near 94% positioned the refiner for continued throughput strength in the current quarter.
5. Pfizer surpassed consensus with adjusted earnings of $0.77 per share and $15 billion in revenue, boosting pre-market sentiment. Solid product demand offset a modest year-over-year earnings dip, and management highlighted steady progress in its pipeline of oncology and vaccine candidates.
6. Caterpillar recorded a 68% jump in profit per share and raised its sales outlook on record equipment demand. Order backlog soared to more than $70 billion, while operating margin exceeded 20%, underpinning expectations for continued strength in construction and mining end-markets.
7. Apple’s revenue in India surpassed $10 billion for the first time, reflecting rapid growth in a key emerging market. Strong iPhone, iPad, and MacBook sales, coupled with new retail openings, underscore Apple’s strategy to diversify geographic revenue streams beyond its traditional strongholds.
8. BP more than doubled underlying profit and lifted its quarterly dividend amid elevated energy prices. The major also initiated plans to divest its U.S. biogas unit and several downstream assets, signaling renewed focus on core oil and gas operations after a strategic reset.
9. Toyota raised its full-year operating profit forecast by 13% and launched a sizable share buyback despite soft China sales. Management cited currency tailwinds and resilient demand in North America and Europe, while reaffirming efforts to mitigate supply-chain disruptions and boost vehicle shipments.
10. Qatar confirmed intensified mediation efforts to defuse U.S.–Iran tensions and revive regional negotiations. Coordinated diplomacy with Pakistan and Oman aims to establish a framework for future talks, potentially reducing geopolitical risk premia embedded in energy and shipping markets.
Sources: Reuters, Dow Jones, Tiger Newspress, public market data
Disclaimer: For informational purposes only; not investment advice.
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