U.S. stock futures were down early Wednesday as investors braced for key economic releases and eagerly awaited earnings reports from major tech companies. Futures on the Nasdaq 100 (NDX), the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA), and the S&P 500 (SPX) were down 0.4%, 0.09%, and 0.29%, respectively, at 2:30 a.m. EST, April 30.
In the previous session, the Dow Jones and the S&P 500 gained 0.8% and 0.58%, respectively. This marked their sixth consecutive day of gains, the longest winning streak for the Dow since July and for the S&P 500 since November. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite (NDAQ) also rose by 0.55%.
Market sentiment on Tuesday was buoyed by comments from Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, suggesting that the White House was nearing a trade agreement, and later by President Donald Trump’s indication that a deal with India could be finalized soon.
In after-hours trading, Super Micro Computer (SMCI) stock declined over 15% after the release of preliminary fiscal third-quarter results that fell short of expectations. Also, shares of Starbucks (SBUX) were down 4% after it missed Q2 earnings and revenue estimates. Further, First Solar (FSLR) stock dropped 10% on a weak 2025 outlook.
Looking ahead, Wednesday’s market session is key, as important economic data could reveal recession risks and impact short-term market trends. The initial estimate for the first quarter’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is expected to show an annualized growth rate of 0.4%.
Also, the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index for March, a closely watched inflation gauge by the Federal Reserve, is due today. Economists anticipate no month-over-month increase in the headline PCE and a year-over-year reading of 2.2%.
Further, investors are looking forward to the Private Payrolls report for February provided by Automatic Data Processing (ADP), due today.
On the earnings front, investors are keenly focused on results from tech giants Meta Platforms (META) and Microsoft (MSFT), scheduled for release after the market closes. Also, key companies such as Qualcomm (QCOM), Etsy (ETSY), Robinhood (HOOD), Caterpillar (CAT), Norwegian Cruise Line (NCLH), and MGM Resorts (MGM) are scheduled to report quarterly numbers today.
Meanwhile, the U.S. 10-year treasury yield was up, floating near 4.179%. Simultaneously, WTI crude oil futures are trending lower, hovering near $59.63 per barrel as of the last check.
At the same time, gold prices fell below $3,310 per ounce on Wednesday as worries over U.S. tariffs eased, reducing demand for safe-haven assets.
Elsewhere, European indices are expected to open mixed today, as investors look ahead to fresh corporate earnings and Eurozone Q1 GDP data.
Asia-Pacific Markets Showed Little Movement
Asia-Pacific indices were muted today, as investors evaluated a slew of economic reports from the region.
At the same time, the Hong Kong index was up 0.32%. Further, Japan’s Topix and Nikkei indices closed higher by 0.58% and 0.43%, respectively. Also, China’s Shenzhen Component index gained 0.69% while the Shanghai Composite index was down 0.11%, respectively.
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