US Stocks Surge on Apple Earnings, Await Inflation Report and Tariff Deadline
Market Summary
US stock futures climbed Friday as investors reacted to Apple's (AAPL) strong earnings and braced for an impending tariff deadline and a crucial inflation report that could influence interest rate trajectory.
Tech Earnings Boost
Nasdaq 100 (NQ=F) futures jumped 0.8%, supported by robust tech earnings. S&P 500 futures (ES=F) advanced approximately 0.5%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average (YM=F) rose 0.3%, extending gains from Thursday's session.
Apple's Solid Performance
Apple shares gained in pre-market trading after the tech giant reported a first-quarter profit that beat estimates. Despite lower quarterly iPhone and China sales, investors interpreted the upbeat revenue outlook as a sign of future recovery.
Intel's Earnings Allay Fears
Intel's (INTC) better-than-expected earnings also contributed to market sentiment, overshadowing concerns raised by DeepSeek's promise of affordable Chinese AI. The chipmaker's stock moved higher.
Market Outlook
While the S&P 500 (^GSPC) and Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC) are on track for slight weekly losses due to the DeepSeek-induced tech sell-off, the Dow (^DJI) anticipates a gain amid a positive start to earnings season.
Tariff Deadline Looms
In the meantime, the Trump administration's threat to implement tariffs on Canada and Mexico on February 1st has raised concerns about the impact on the economy. The looming deadline has revived worries about the consequences of a clampdown on the US's top trading partners.
Inflation Data in Focus
The Federal Reserve's preferred inflation measure, the Personal Consumption Expenditures index, will be closely scrutinized for clues on the future path of interest rates. Economists project a steady "core" PCE reading of 2.8% for December.
Earnings Docket
Earnings reports from Chevron (CVX), Colgate (CL), Exxon Mobil (XOM), and Phillips 66 (PSX) are anticipated in the coming days.