Happy Friday! I’m CJ, filling in for Alex this morning. You might know me from my coverage of technology stocks, which I’ve been doing intermittently since 2024. My colleagues know me as the news associate who can fold a serious origami crane. Speaking of things that fly, wait until you hear where shares of Dell Technologies are headed this morning after an AI-fueled earnings beat.
Stock futures are higher before the opening bell. All three major averages finished last session on a positive note and are on track for a strong week.
Here are five key things investors need to know as we kick off the trading day:
1. Seal the deal?
Iranian state media reported yesterday that Tehran fired missiles at unidentified targets. This latest military action comes amid reports that the U.S. and Iran have “mostly agreed” on the terms of a deal to end the conflict, though President Donald Trump has yet to give his final approval.
2. Inflation data
Inflation remains a concern this spring. The Commerce Department reported yesterday that the personal consumption expenditures price index increased by 0.4% in April, bringing the annual rate to 3.8% the highest since May 2023. Core inflation, which excludes food and energy, rose by 0.2% last month, with an annual rate of 3.3%.
3. In-Dell-ible earnings
Shares of Dell Technologies surged as much as 39% in extended trading after reporting its fastest revenue growth since returning to the public markets in 2018.
4. A tale of two namesakes
Thursday’s retail earnings were mixed. Shares of American Eagle are down roughly 10% before the open after the company reported declining revenue for its flagship brand in the first quarter, despite launching a marketing campaign featuring actress Sydney Sweeney.
5. Trump Accounts
Families can now download the Trump Accounts app, bringing the tax advantaged investing platform closer to its official launch on July 4. Accounts can be opened for all U.S. children with a Social Security number.
Babies born between 2025 and 2028 will be eligible for an initial $1,000 deposit from the Treasury Department, with more companies and philanthropists pledging to match that deposit for qualifying families.
Source (CNBC)
